A community leader has said she is shocked after a murder inquiry was launched into the death of a man in a 'quiet, residential' part of Bury St Edmunds.

Kevin Turnbull, who was 52 and from the Great Whelnetham area, was found dead at an address in Samuel Street Walk, last Wednesday afternoon. But it was not until late on Friday night that detectives confirmed they were treating the death as murder, and Mr Turnbull's identity was released by officers on Saturday.

A post-mortem examination concluded that he died as a result of a head injury.

Now Sarah Stamp, who is a councillor for Southgate ward where the incident took place, has spoken out to reassure residents in the wake of the inquiry. 'It was a real shock to hear the news about this murder and my thoughts and condolences are with the victim's family,' she said.

'This happened in a quiet residential area and I want to reassure people that it remains a safe place to live. I hope it is an isolated incident and I am confident police are doing all they can to find out why this happened.'

Mr Turnbull was found dead shortly after 12.15pm on Wednesday at a property in Samuel Street Walk.

Two people, a 51-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, both from Bury St Edmunds, were arrested on Friday night on suspicion of murder.

They were later taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Both have now been released on bail and are due to return on November 15.

A police cordon remains in place at the address as inquiries into the death continue.

Anyone who may have information on the incident should call the major investigation team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.