A MAN has been charged in connection with an alleged murder in Colchester more than 20 years ago.

Michael Donnelly, 73, has been charged with the murder of 30-year-old Grant Byrom, which is said to have happened in Forest Road, Colchester on Boxing Day 1998.

Mr Byrom, known to friends as Granny, suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest and was rushed to hospital where he sadly later died of his injuries.

It is understood he had been involved in a scuffle in the Clarendon pub in Harwich Road after playing football.

He had left the establishment but returned to the area later before being confronted in Forest Road by three men.

One of them stabbed him in the chest.

Donnelly of Bromley Road, Colchester was arrested in June 2019 in connection with the murder and was bailed.

He was charged today.

Donnelly has been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Colchester Magistrates' Court.

Five years ago, a £2,000 reward was offered for information which led to a conviction in the case.

More than 100 people attended Mr Byrom’s funeral at St Leonard’s Church in Lexden Road.

He was described as a unique character and was an ardent Leeds United fan.

An inquest heard he died from a stab wound.