Murder investigation launched after man, 30, dies

Essex Police said there will be an increased police presence in the surrounding area of Meadgate Avenue

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was fatally assaulted in a residential street.

Essex Police said it was called to Meadgate Avenue in Great Baddow, near Chelmsford, at about 12:30 BST on Tuesday where a 30-year-old man was found with serious injuries.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Det Insp Lydia George, the senior investigating officer, said: "This is a terrible incident and my first thoughts are with the family of the man who has died."

Police remained on the scene of the incident and people had started to leave floral tributes

The force said three male suspects wearing balaclavas were seen leaving the area shortly after the assault.

She said: "I have a team of officers working around the clock to identify and arrest these suspects, and I need the public's help to do so.

"I am sure this is a distressing time for those in the area, so I want to reassure you we are doing everything we can and that we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public."

Det Insp George said officers would be more visible in the area in the coming days.

The force has appealed to members of the public who may have CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the incident.

Marie Goldman, the MP for Chelmsford, said: "It's absolutely devastating and I know for members of the public it will be really worrying as well.

"It is always awful to hear of any sort of serious incident such as this.

"First of all my thoughts are with the family and the friends of the person who died.

"I understand that this happened in a very residential area and there were of busy roads and houses nearby. It is entirely possible they have something on some CCTV."

Essex Police has urged anyone who was in the area surrounding Meadgate Avenue at the time of the incident to get in touch.