Two teenagers have appeared in court charged with the murder of a young man during a fatal knife attack.

Fabian Kacica, 19, of Lornes Close, Southend, was set upon following a disturbance in Farringdon Service Road, outside the Forum library in Southend on Monday night.

Paramedics were dispatched to the scene but, despite their efforts, he died from a single stab wound.

Detectives launched a manhunt following information four men may have been involved.

They have since made three arrests and two of the suspects have appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court to face charges of murder and attempted robbery of Fabian’s Ford Fiesta.

Michael Nyathi, 18, of Steeplefield, Leigh, and a 17-year-old boy from Shoebury, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stood in the dock dressed in prison-issue orange tracksuits.

The 17-year-old began crying after seeing his family in the public gallery while Nyathi did not react.

Because of the serious nature of the charges, magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case was sent to Chelmsford Crown Court.

The two suspects have been remanded until a hearing at the court this morning where bail and other preliminary matters will be determined.

As they were taken down by dock officers, Nyathi said “stay strong” to a woman sat in the gallery, who did not respond, while the 17-year-old’s family asked him if he was ok to which he nodded.

Essex Police have arrested a third man on suspicion of murder.

A 20-year-old from Southend remains in custody for questioning.

Since Fabian’s death, floral tributes have been left at the scene outside the library.

Friends of the victim, who worked part time at a supermarket, have arranged a memorial send-off for him which will take place tonight.

Friends, family, and supporters will be meeting at the Forum to let off balloons and lanterns and light candles.

Currently, the event page on Facebook has 254 people registered as going with a further 301 people interested in the event.

Police are still appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Rayleigh Major Investigations Team on 101 quoting crime reference 42/67335/18 or e-mail scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

No pleas have been entered to any of the charges.