The Forum in Southend is closed this morning due to a stabbing in nearby Farringdon Service Road, which Essex Police are investigating.

The area outside the front of the Forum is currently cordoned off and access is restricted.

Other Southend Library branches remain open and can be found by visiting www.southend.gov.uk/libraries

Leader of Southend Council, councillor John Lamb, said: “We were alerted this morning by Essex Police to a serious incident taking place on Farringdon Service Road, near The Forum. The Police have since set up a cordon outside the Forum, which means there is currently no public access to the building.

“We will support Essex Police in any way we can as they investigate the incident. However, while an active investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

“We apologise for any inconvenience to library users.”

It is not currently known how long the Forum will be closed for but updates will be posted via the Council’s social media accounts (@SouthendBC on Twitter and @SouthendBCOfficial on Facebook) and on the website page southend.gov.uk/libraries

Essex Police is 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 14/05 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.