Police arrest fourth man in murder investigation

Kieran Shepherd was found unresponsive by a member of the public on 15 October

A fourth man has been arrested as part of a murder investigation into the death of a man in a residential street.

Kieran Shepherd, 30, sustained fatal injuries during an alleged assault in Meadgate Avenue, Great Baddow, on 15 October.

Essex Police revealed earlier that it had arrested a 20-year-old man in Basildon on suspicion of assisting an offender.

He was released on bail until 28 January pending further inquiries, the force added.

Three men have already appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court accused of murdering Mr Shepherd.

• Joseph Dawe, 20, of Greenland Gardens, Great Baddow

• Zack O'Keeffe, 19, of Stafford Green, Langdon Hills in Basildon

• Harrison Carpenter, 19, of Ben Wilson Link, Chelmsford

All three remain in custody ahead of a plea hearing fixed for 6 January.

Four people have now been arrested in connection with the death of Mr Shepherd - three of whom have already appeared in court

A member of the public found Mr Shepherd unresponsive and police were called to Meadgate Avenue at about 12:30 BST on the day in question.

In a statement issued through police, Mr Shepherd's family described him as a "kind and loving son, brother and father".

Police said the latest arrest was made on 19 November.