RESIDENTS say they are now too scared to go out alone after a man was killed outside Westcliff library.

A man has been charged with murder after another man was found seriously injured outside the library.

The 37-year-old victim was left fighting for his life after the attack, in Fleetwood Avenue, Westcliff, last Tuesday.

But police have now confirmed he has died and 37-year-old

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and with some warning of an ever-growing drink and drugs problem.

One resident, Sophia Lambert, 27, of Hildaville Drive, Westcliff, said: “I am so sad to hear this man has died. It’s awful.

“I can’t believe he was in such a state outside the library on a main road in the middle of the day, all alone – I really hope someone tried to help him.

Echo:

“There is so much of this now in Westcliff, it’s scary.

“The library is a hotspot for drugs and crime now. It really worries me going out alone now, even just up to the Tesco which is at the top of my road.”

Rough sleepers have also been known to hang around the area. The library had to close following the incident, to allow officers to investigate.

The force is still trying to track anyone down who was in the area of the library and the bus stop on London Road between 5am and 1.30pm, urging them to come forward.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “If you walked through that area, drove past there, or parked your car there I need you to speak to my team.

“We particularly need to speak to man in his 70s who was sitting outside the library or anyone who used the walkway between Ronald Park Avenue and Fleetwood Avenue.”

Another resident, of Fleetwood Avenue, was leaving her house when she saw the commotion at the scene.

She said: “I walked out of my door to see the top of my street taped off, with six police cars, two ambulances and someone on a stretcher.

She said: “Two men were arrested at the scene, then the air ambulance came.

“My thoughts are with the man’s loved ones.”

Lucasz Kustra, 37, of no fixed address, has been charged with murder.

He is due to appear at Basildon Crown Court today.

Another man arrested remains on bail until October 20. Call 101 quoting 42/153580/20.