Additional police patrols will be carried out at Lakeside Shopping Centre this weekend after a man was murdered.

Bosses at the centre say the police presence will be used to reassure the public after the man's death.

Police were called to reports of a serious assault in the centre food court last night.

Essex Police said the man died at the scene.

Bosses at Lakeside say there will be an additional police presence over the weekend. A spokesman said: “Our own security team continues to work closely with Essex Police. Lakeside is open and there will be an additional visible police presence in the centre today and over the bank holiday weekend to reassure customers.”

Essex Police says, it is believed he had been attacked by two men who are described as being black or Asian.

One was wearing blue ripped jeans, a white t-shirt, black trainers and a black puffer jacket, and carrying a small bag, and the other described as wearing a blue tracksuit and white trainers.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “I want to extend my condolences to the family after this awful attack.

“At the time of the assault, this area of the shopping centre will have been busy so I believe someone will have seen what happened.

“I need them to contact my team of dedicated, specialist officers and staff.

“I know this attack will cause concern but at this stage we believe this is a targeted attack and there’s no risk to the wider public.”