A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in Laindon.

The victim, in his 30s, was pronounced dead on Sunday night after the attack at Iris Mews at around 9.30pm.

A large portion of the road was taped off by the police throughout the day yesterday.

At least six police vehicles were stationed around the area, with residents not allowed to walk through a portion of the Somercotes estate between Begonia Drive and Elizabeth Way.

Residents have now said they “don’t feel safe” after the terrifying incident, which has seen four teenagers arrested.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We arrived and found a man had been stabbed.

“Sadly, despite the efforts of medical staff, the man, aged in his 30s, died.

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

One woman who lives in the estate, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s not safe.

“I am not going out anymore, it’s not safe for the children anymore.

“Normally you hear a lot through the windows, but we didn’t even hear screaming.

“We did hear a strange noise but we thought it was the TV.

“A stabbing or crime is just normal down here. It used to be a lovely area.”

Another resident said: “It’s disgusting. You can’t walk around now without looking around and over both shoulders.”

Forensic teams in white suits, masks and gloves conducted sweeps of the footpath and grass areas within the cordon yesterday.

Police investigators were knocking on the doors of many residents in the estate to take statements and ask if they had seen anything.

Extra patrols are being carried out in the area over the next few days.

Chief Insp Chris Bradford, Basildon District Commander, said: “What happened in Iris Mews last night is a tragic loss of life and the thoughts of everyone at Essex Police are with the victim’s family and friends.

“You will have seen a large policing presence in the area today and I can confirm we will have additional patrols in place in the local area over the coming days to reassure our residents.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to speak to those officers to do so – they are there to help you.”

He added: “Rest assured, we have had highly skilled officers working tirelessly on this investigation throughout the night and into today as we piece together the events leading up to the murder and the incident itself.”

A male resident who lives on Iris Mews said: “We just saw blue lights and heard sirens.

“The neighbours were coming out to check.

“We’ve had a lot of teenagers and noise, but we didn’t expect that to happen.”

Another female resident said: “I’ve not seen anything like it, it’s terrible.

“I feel really bad now, I’ve been here for about 20 years.”

The force are appealing for witnesses to come forward, along with anyone that may have dashcam footage of the incident.

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.

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