A man who died after being stabbed in Southend has been described as "cheeky, ambitious, and extremely creative".

Courtney Valentine-Brown, who was 36 and from Southend, was found injured at an address in Roots Hall Drive shortly before midnight on Thursday.

Echo:

Murder scene - Roots Hall Drive

He was taken to hospital but, sadly, later died and a forensic post-mortem examination found he had suffered a stab wound to the leg.

In a tribute, his family said: “We are heartbroken over the murder of our dear son, brother, uncle and cousin who was tragically taken away from us prematurely.

“He was ambitious, cheeky and extremely creative with his whole future ahead of him despite his life challenges.”

A 49 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of this morning and remains in custody.

A 30 year-old woman arrested on conspiracy to commit murder has been released on bail until March 21.

Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone who they’ve not spoken to who has information about the incident to come forward.

Anyone with dash cam or CCTV footage or any other information should contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 1375 of February 21.

Information can also be passed by emailing scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.