POLICE have launched a murder probe after a man died from stab wounds in Southend.

The investigation was launched after the victim – a man in his 20s – was discovered with stab wounds in Cromer Road shortly before midnight on Friday.

He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Police believe he may have been attacked by a group of people.

Officers quickly arrested a 45-year-old woman on suspicion of murder, but are searching for others and a dark Mercedes they believe may be linked to the incident.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Julie Gowen said: “At this stage we believe a number of people were involved in the assault which has led to this man’s death.

“We believe they left the area in dark-coloured Mercedes, possibly black, shortly afterwards and we need to identify them, trace them, and speak to them.

“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.”

One man who lives nearby said the incident had left him terrified.

“It’s very scary,” he said.

“We have a massive drug issue along the road – I have many videos of people doing drugs on my doorstep and people hanging around the underpass linking to Lancaster Gardens.

“More police patrols are needed to deal with the drug issues and prostitution.”

Kursaal ward councillor Matt Dent (Lab) urged people not to be worried and trust the police, who said there was no threat to the wider public.

“I was down there on Saturday speaking to officers before they were in a position to give out any information,” he said.

“It is incredibly sad news but I am incredibly impressed by the response from police.

“They are working very thoroughly to find the people involved and bring them to justice.

“My thoughts go out to the friends and family of the victim.

“I also feel for the residents in the area who are naturally going to feel less safe and secure.

“But I would reassure them we have some of the finest police in the country working in Southend.

“They should absolutely be reassured when they say they are not at risk.

“Often these incidents are linked to other types of crime.

“I would urge anyone with any information to call the police.

“The smallest piece of information, however inconsequential it might seem, might end up being exactly what the police are looking for.”

Witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage is urged to call the police.

Three held, including teenager, after murder

POLICE have made three arrests in the murder investigation with a senior officer insisting they are working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

As well as a woman arrested shortly after the 26-year-old man was found, a 44-year-old man from Southend was arrested in the town on Saturday afternoon and a 16-year-old boy, also from Southend, was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murder.

All three remain in custody.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Julie Gowen said: “My team continue to work around the clock to find the people responsible for this attack and the circumstances which led up to it.

“We are making good progress and continue to have a presence in the area itself.

“Information from the public is always really important I would urge anyone who saw anything, has any CCTV or dash cam footage, or has any other information to get in touch if they haven’t already done so.

“We are still of the belief that this was a targeted attack and that there’s no risk to the wider public.” Anyone who can help with the investigation should call 101.