Tributes have been paid to a father who died from serious injuries after an attack in South Ockendon on Monday.

Friends of Danny Adger, 34, who was killed on Monday, have described him as a man with a heart who 'loved his kids to bits'.

He was flown to hospital with injuries believed to have been inflicted by a machete in an attack outside Eden Green flats, but sadly died on his arrival.

One friend, Ryan Lee, wrote on Facebook: “He had a heart and I had a lot of time for him. RIP Badger. You will never be forgotten and you will be truly missed. I’ll see you on the other side.”

One South Ockendon resident, who was a former neighbour of Danny’s, said he was like a different man when he was with his kids.

The man, who asked not to be named, told the Gazette: “I saw him with his children a lot and it was clear he loved them to bits, sometimes going to ludicrous lengths to see them.

“He was less Danny and more grown up. It was always a pleasure to see and his kids don’t deserve to be without him.”

Another friend, James Henry, from Tilbury, wrote on Facebook: "Danny was a really good friend of mine. I love him to bits. We really miss him xxx"

Laura Bergeron, who also lives in South Ockendon, added: "He was such a character who could always make me laugh. Sleep tight Adger."

The attackers are still at large and police have issued descriptions of two men they wish to speak to.

Witnesses described the first suspect as black, with short black hair possibly styled into dreadlocks. He wore a camouflage type shirt. 

They described the second suspect as black and possibly of mixed heritage. He wore dark clothing. 

Both were believed to be aged between 20 and 35 and between 5ft 8ins and 6ft tall. One was carrying a large machete which police have not ruled out as the weapon used in the attack.

Sadly, this is not the first time Danny's family have suffered a tragic loss.

In 2007, Danny, who was 24 at the time, was stabbed in a knife attack after a street brawl in Tilbury.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about Monday's incident or anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch.

Contact the Harlow Major Investigation Team on 01279 621802 or email scdappeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk 

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

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