Police to blitz town for Reece witnesses

Extra cops will be out in the town centre talking to clubbers and drinkers who may have vital information.

Mr Lamude, 37, collapsed outside Churchills nightclub, in Tylers Avenue, in the early hours of Sunday. He later died in hospital.

Southend Chief Insp Dave Colwell told the Echo: “Police officers will be on patrol this weekend appealing for witnesses to the tragic incident.

“The officers from the team will be in uniform and on foot.

“They will visit licensed premises and liaise closely with the team from the SOS bus.

“The Southend town centre night time economy is arguably the largest and busiest within the Essex Police area.

“It covers over 200 licensed premises, over 70 of which are pubs and clubs.

“I urge any person who has any information to come forward and speak to the officers.”

Insp Leigh Norris said there would be additional officers in the town centre at the weekend, but could not say how many.

He said there will also be an increased presence at Priory Park on Saturday – a year after chef Reynald Duchene was stabbed to death nearby after a concert.

Mr Duchene had been at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Concert in the Park on June 26 last year.

His killer Karl Wills, of Cranley Road, Westcliff, was jailed for a minimum of 23 years at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 13 following a two-week trial.

Mr Duchene, of Arlington Square, South Woodham Ferrers, and Wills became involved in a row in Priory Crescent after leaving the popular annual event.

Police launched a murder inquiry on Monday into the death of Mr Lamude, a father-of-two from Rayleigh. He sustained neck injuries after a Saturday night out.

Four bouncers in the town were arrested on suspicion of murder.

The men, a 31-year-old and 37-year-old from Southend, a 31-year-old from Shoebury and a 41-year-old from Rochford, have now been released on bail.

Anyone with information should call police on 0300 3334444 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.