A man who was shot dead one year ago as he tried to escape a hotel car park assassination was “involved in drugs", police believe.

Essex Police made the comment today (December 8), as they appealed for information on the anniversary of the Waltham Abbey murder of Paul Simmons-Turner.

Mr Simmons-Turner, a 38-year-old father of three, was shot in the car park of the Marriott Hotel in Old Shire Lane at about 9.45am on December 8, 2015.

A 24-year-old man from Romford remains on bail until January 17 2017, having been arrested in connection with the murder.

However, officers are still keen to hear from anyone who may have information which could assist the enquiry.

DCI Stephen Jennings of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “I am still asking for anyone who has information about the murder or Mr Simmons-Turner’s lifestyle who has not contacted police to get in touch.

“It is believed he was involved in drugs and more information about this aspect of his life may assist the enquiry further.”

At the time of his death, Mr Simmons-Turner was being hunted by Essex Police after an alleged assault at a Loughton nightclub in May 2015.

He was friends with some members of the Towie cast, some of whom paid tribute to him after his death.

Anyone with information should contact the directorate’s Brentwood team on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.