Detectives have launched a murder investigation after three men were found dead at an address in Colchester, Essex.

Police were called to Wellesley Road at about 10.15pm on Saturday over concerns for the welfare of two men following reports of an altercation. Officers found two men dead inside a property and the body of a third man was discovered in a car outside.

A 32-year-old man from Colchester has been arrested on suspicion of murder, Essex police said. Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident but are “keeping an open mind”, the force added.

David Beales, a 64-year-old Anglican minister who lives on the street opposite the property, said he heard nothing overnight and woke up to find police officers walking up and down the road.

“This is normally quite a peaceful street”, he said, adding: “There has been a history of sometimes noise in the flats where the incident took place, but nothing dire like this.” Beales said he did not know anyone affected by the incident.

Anyone who was in or around the Wellesley Road area between 6pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday and witnessed suspicious or unusual behaviour has been urged to contact police. The street has been closed while inquiries continue.