Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a murder investigation in Southend.

The 18-year-old man from Leigh and 17-year-old boy from Shoebury were arrested on suspicion of murder this afternoon, Tuesday May 15. They are currently in custody for questioning.

It follows a disturbance involving a group of men near in Farringdon Service Road, Southend, at around 9pm yesterday, Monday, May 14.

One of the men, a 19-year-old from the Southend area, was stabbed and sadly died at the scene.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Our enquiries are progressing and while we continue to keep an open mind as to the motive behind this attack, we are treating it as an isolated incident.

“There were a large number of people in the area at the time and we are keen to speak to anyone who has yet to come forward as they may have information, however small, that could assist with our investigation.”

An area in front of The Forum currently remains closed while forensic examination work is carried out.

Extra patrols are being carried out in Southend town centre and we will be using stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in the High Street in the area between Queensway, Princes Road and the A1160.

Southend district commander Chief Inspector Neil Pudney said: “I understand residents will be very concerned, so I have extra officers patrolling the area to provide a visible presence and urge anyone with information to please talk to them.

“We are also putting in place additional powers to search members of the public in an area in and around the High Street until 7am tomorrow, Wednesday, May 16, and this will then be reviewed.

“The decision to put in place a Section 60 power is never taken lightly but we have taken this option to ensure the public’s safety and deal swiftly with anyone who is intent on causing trouble.”

Police are asking witnesses, anyone in the area of The Forum between 8pm and 9pm or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage to contact Rayleigh Major Investigations Team on 101 quoting incident 1258 of May 14 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk Video footage and photographs can be submitted online via https://mipp.police.uk Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.