Teenager arrested on suspicion of murder

A 19-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died 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 man named locally as Kieran Shepherd, 30, died at the scene.

The force said three people in balaclavas were seen leaving the area shortly after the incident.

The teenager from Chelmsford was arrested on Wednesday evening and has remained in custody.

Several tributes were also posted on social media, including one that read: “RIP Kieran Shepherd - what a legend and what a life you lived, taken too soon.”

Floral tributes have been left nearby, with messages including “RIP Kier – forever 30”.

Another said: "You bought great memories to us all with your presence, a proper guy who didn’t deserve what happened."

People on the Meadgate estate told the BBC they were shocked by the news.

“Everyone is very sad, very upset,” said Mathi Kanagarajah, the owner of the local newsagent.

He said there was a good community spirit on the estate and added that everyone was “very friendly and helpful”.

Pam, who has lived in the area since the 1960s, said the fact that somebody had been killed during the day had made her feel “insecure”.

She said she avoided walking in certain areas unless she was with other people.

“It used to be a lovely secure estate, everybody wanted to live here but now, it does worry you,” she added.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said the situation was "heartbreaking".

“I feel sorry for the family of the person who’s done it, and I feel sorry for the people who’ve suffered for it,” they said.

Det Insp Lydia George, the senior investigating officer on the case, described what happened as “a terrible incident”, which had been “distressing” for those in the area.

“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,” she said.

The force appealed for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward, and said it had set up a major incident police portal for the investigation.

Marie Goldman, the MP for Chelmsford, spoke in the House of Commons on Thursday about the incident. She said: "I am sure the whole house will want to join me in sending their condolences to the victims grieving family at this terrible time.

"As Essex Police are now conducting an ongoing major incident investigation, I cannot comment much further on the specifics except to say that I understand that this was a vicious attack with three male suspects spotting leaving the scene wearing balaclavas.

"I would encourage any members of the public who may have any information on this to get in touch with the police."

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