TWO men have been charged with a murder at a Southend towerblock.

Police launched an investigation after Christopher Ryan, 45, was found unconscious and with serious head injuries at his flat at Malvern, in Coleman Street, at about 7.40pm Thursday.

He died at hospital on Saturday.

John Nafzger, 39, of Westbury Road, Southend, and Christopher Walker, 23, of Mansted Gardens, Rochford, were later arrested and charged with murder and one count of robbery.

They appeared at Southend Magistrates Court where they entered no pleas. They were remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow.

Detectives are still trying to trace Mr Ryan’s next of kin.

Officers believe Mr Ryan was estranged from his family and would like to speak to anyone who knows the whereabouts of any family members, or indeed is a member of Mr Ryan’s family, to contact them.

Anyone with information should contact officers working on Operation Viscount at the Harlow Major Investigation Team on 101. A 55-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man all from Southend have also been arrested and released on police bail until December 23 pending further enquiries into drug offences and assisting an offender.