Clacton murder probe: Police arrest 21-year-old Clacton man

One man, named locally as James Gregoire, died after being stabbed in the town centre following an altercation in a flat in High Street.

Two others were injured during the incident, one seriously.

A 21-year-old man, from Clacton, has been arrested in relation to the incident.

Much of Clacton town centre has been cordoned off while detectives investigate the death of a man, having been called just before 11.45pm last night.

A large proportion of Station Road and Pier Avenue is cordoned off and will be for some time while investigations continue.

Forensic detectives are on the scene and a tent has been set up in the alleyway between Beach Road and Clacton’s Covered Market.

Business owners and employees are advised that many premises will not be able to be opened this morning.

The mobile police station is in Station Road so residents can speak to officers if they have any information or concerns.

One pub-goer said: "I was out in town for a few drinks on the seafront with a friend and got a taxi home at about 11.45pm from opposite McDonalds in Station Road.

"The town centre looked deserted - it was a very quiet night in Clacton.

"The first thing we knew about it was a taxi driver telling us he thought there had been an accident and the road was closed, so no more taxis would get through.

"It wasn't until we saw a large number of police on Rosemary Road that we realised something serious had happened.

"It's heart-breaking to think there's been a murder in Clacton. It has been relatively quiet here lately."

Martin Croxford, owner of the Covered Market, said police have told him the site must remain closed all day.

“It’s the first time in 32 years that we have had to close for something like this," he said.

“It’s a loss of a days trading for all the traders, but I think they will be understanding about it.

“It is a shock for something like this to happen.”

Tributes to Mr Gregoire can be left in the comments section below.