The family of a Saudi Arabian woman stabbed to death on a footpath have appealed to the person responsible to hand themselves in.

English language student Nahid Almanea, 31, was knifed 16 times and left to die on the Salary Brook Trail in Colchester, Essex, at around 10.40am on June 17.

Despite high profile police appeals her killer has not been caught.

Detectives at Essex Police have not ruled out links with the killing of James Attfield, 33, who was stabbed 102 times on his arms, hands, back, neck and head, in a park in the town on March 29.

They are also investigating the possibility Ms Almanea was targeted because of her traditional Muslim dress.

Officers recently travelled to Saudi Arabia to meet with her family as part of their inquiries.

In a statement issued through a liaison officer, the family said they were "devastated by the terrible murder".

They added: "Nahid was a remarkable and gentle person who was loved for her kind and caring nature.

"Publicly Nahid was a quiet and dignified lady who chose to pursue her academic studies in order to work towards her PHD and whilst in England she made a decision that she would respect her heritage and traditions in the way that she dressed and conducted herself.

"However, when she was with her family Nahid was a warm and loving person who enjoyed laughter and the company of her parents, siblings and extended family.

"The amount of people that attended Nahid's funeral is a tribute to how much she was cared for and respected.

"We wish to appeal directly to the person responsible for Nahid's death, to come forward and hand themselves in to the police in order to relieve our suffering and let justice take its course.

"It is vital that anyone with any information about Nahid's death, no matter how small, contacts the police to share the information. "

Detective Superintendent Steve Worron said officers had also met with police in the city of Jeddah.

He added: "My officers were able to extend our condolences to her family as well as gaining further information about Nahid's life in Saudi Arabia before she left to further her studies in England.

"This visit was an important step in engaging with Nahid's family as well as developing links with local police who are keen to assist with the investigation."

Detectives are looking to trace a number of people who were seen on the Salary Brook Trail between 10.15am and 10.45am on the morning of the murder.

A £10,000 reward has been offered to anyone with information which leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible.

Witnesses should contact the incident room 01245 282103 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."