A MURDER probe is under way after a man died following an attack in Leigh Old Town, police said tonight.

Essex Police were called just after 6pm tonight (Friday) after an 18-year-old man was admitted to hospital with stab wounds.

He died a short time later.

Police say following initial enquiries, officers believe he was attacked near the Peterboat pub in High Street, Old Leigh.

Echo: Murder probe - Old LeighMurder probe - Old Leigh

Two people have been arrested in connection with the police investigation.

Detectives are tonight on the scene and Essex Police are appealing for people with any information to speak directly to officers.

Residents living in Leigh have also reported a large gathering of young people in Leigh Library Gardens.

One person reported hearing one of the youngsters discussing who is going to be "shanked". 

A spokesman said: "Officers are in the Old Leigh area carrying out enquiries and we’d like to thank people who have come forward so far.

"Anyone who saw what happened or has mobile phone, CCTV or dash cam footage, is asked to speak to officers on scene.

"You can also contact us online at www.essex.police.uk where you can use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

"Alternatively, you can call 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.

"Please quote incident 1011 of today's date when contacting us so we can pass information on to investigating officers as quickly as possible."

Leigh Old Town has suffered from a number of issues with youths gathering since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last June, officers deployed a dispersal zone to stop crowds gathering.