Four people have died after a vehicle crashed into a building in Colchester.
Officers were called to the incident in Magdalen Street at around 4.40am on Saturday, Essex Police said.
Emergency services attended, but four people died at the scene. The ages and genders of the victims have not yet been disclosed.
Their families have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers, the force said.
Magdalen Street is expected to remain shut throughout Saturday while an investigation takes place.
Temporary assistant chief constable Stuart Hooper said: “My thoughts, and those of everyone at Essex Police, is with the friends and families of the four people who died this morning.
“I want to thank the businesses and residents in the Magdalen Street area for their support and understanding today in what has been a really difficult and tragic situation.
“I always want to pay tribute to emergency services personnel who have worked diligently, professionally and compassionately to ensure the dignity of those who have died.
“Our inquiries to establish what led up to the collision are ongoing and I need anyone with information to contact us.”
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or other footage relating to the incident has been asked to contact the force quoting incident 179 of 1 February, or to contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
