A SECOND Basildon man has been arrested as part of the murder investigation into the death of a "loving" father.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of 30-year-old Kieran Shepherd, who died following an assault in Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford, on October 12.

Police attended a property in Stafford Green, Basildon, in the early hours last Tuesday and arrested the suspect at the address.

Three men, 19-year-old Zack O’Keeffe of Stafford Green in Langdon Hills, Basildon, 19-year-old Harrison Carpenter of Ben Wilson Link in Springfield, and 20-year-old Joseph Dawe of Greenland Gardens in Great Baddow, are charged with Kieran’s murder and remain remanded in custody ahead of their next court hearing on January 6.

This fourth man arrested has been released on bail until January 28 pending further enquiries, and Essex Police's investigation continues. 

In a statement following his death, Kieran’s family said: “Kieran was a kind and loving son, brother, and father, his loss has left a massive hole in the lives of his family and friends.

“Our lives will never be the same without him, he will be forever in our hearts.

“Our family asks for privacy at this difficult time.”