THE victim of a fatal stabbing "was trying to help another man" before being attacked, a police officer has said.

Essex Police are continuing to investigate the death of a man in his 30s who was fatally stabbed in Iris Mews, Laindon at around 9.30pm on Sunday night.

Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

The force are desperately seeking anyone who may have seen anything on the night, or if anyone has any information about weapons used and where they might be.

Speaking to BBC Essex, Det Chief Insp Stephen Jennings said: "It’s early stages to piece together exactly what’s happened and why.

“We believe the victim was coming to the aid of another man who was in the area and was attacked by one or more of the youths which appears to have cost him his life.

“We’re really keen to hear from anyone that was in that area, may have seen something happen, or even just heard in the local area what could have taken place and who could have been involved.

“Equally if anyone was aware of any weapons that might have been used and where they are, we’d be really keen to hear from them.

“This was a really traumatic incident for both police and paramedics that attended the scene, they did everything they could to try and save the man’s life, but unfortunately he did die there and then.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Anyone who can help should submit a report online at www.essex.police.uk or use the ‘Live Chat’ button to speak to an online operator.

You can also call 101 and cite incident 1292 of May 2.

Information can be given to charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.