A SECOND man has been charged with the murder of Albert Williams, in Southend, last year.

Simon Smith, 40, of no fixed address, was charged today with murder and two counts of burglary of Mr Williams' address in Cedar Close, one of which happened the week before his death.

Police currently await a date for a court appearance.

Mr Williams, 67, was found dead at his flat on Saturday, August 8, 2015.

His body was discovered when fire crews were called to deal with a fire at the flat.

A forensic post mortem examination established that he had been assaulted and died of internal injuries.

Anthony Smith, 43, unemployed, of Ceylon Road, Westcliff, has already been charged with murder and two counts of burglary.

Ismail Celik, 34, of Rookwood Close, Grays, who works in catering, was charged with two counts of aiding and abetting burglary at Mr Williams' address.

When appearing at court Celik denied the charges while Smith did not enter a plea.

Both are next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on April 8.