Tributes have been paid to a stab victim.

Michael Haastrup, 24, of Southend, was stabbed outside a house in Cressing Road, Braintree, last Wednesday at 11pm. He died in hospital.

Known as Mike Jay to his friends, Mr Haastrup had convictions for drug dealing, but had turned his life around since leaving jail.

He had a job and a house, and his partner has recently given birth to their son.

Friends visited the murder scene on Saturday to lay flowers and light candles in his memory.

Close friend Lianne Langley paid tribute to Mr Haastrup: “They say the good die young and they certainly do, heaven needed an angel so they came and took you.

“The years we spent together and the happy memories we did share, you’ve left my life for now but I can still feel you right there.

“Your son was your world, your every wish come true, I know you will be looking down on us in all that we do.”

 

See the BWT for the full story, including the latest court proceedings.