POLICE have now launched a murder investigation over the death of a man outside a popular Southend town centre bar.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Reece Lamude, 37, from the Rayleigh area, collapsed outside Chruchills, in Tylers Avenue, after an altercation with door staff.

Mr Lamude was taken to Southend Hospital but despite frantic attempts to save his life, he was pronounced dead at 3.35am.

A post mortem has shown Mr Lamude sustained neck injuries but further investigations are taking place.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and anyone with information about the events leading to the death should contact police in Southend on 0300 333 4444.