Detectives have launched a homicide investigation after a man was found dead in a caravan.

Sam Garcia, 26, of Brooks Avenue, East Ham, was discovered by paramedics at about 4am on Monday after reports that a man was seriously ill inside a caravan off Clock House Road, Little Burstead, Essex.

Police arrested four people soon after but have only now confirmed they are treating the death as either murder or manslaughter.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday but further tests are needed to establish the cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hall, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “At this stage, we are investigating to establish the full facts and treating it as a homicide.

“We are looking to speak with anyone who was at the farm in Little Burstead on that Sunday night or Monday morning. Equally, we would like to hear from those who have information relating to Sam’s death.”

Two men aged 29 and 30, both from Canning Town, a 34-year-old woman from East Ham, and a 69-year-old man from Billericay, Essex, have been questioned at separate police stations in south Essex.

The Bilericay man has now been released without charge and the others been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Brentwood’s Major Investigation Team on 101 by email on scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.