Detectives are carrying out door-to-door enquiries after a man was stabbed to death in Southend last night.

The incident took place in Roots Hall Drive just before midnight and police remain on scene.

Residents have been left shocked by the incident after waking up to the news.

One man, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: "I've lived down here my whole life and the violence never used to make it's way to this part of the town.

"It just goes to show that nowhere is safe now."

Officers are on scene guarding the entrance to a block of flats and detectives are going door-to-door making enquiries.

Read more: Man stabbed by gang on bikes 'armed with machetes' in high street

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in Southend.

"We were called by the ambulance service shortly before midnight on Thursday, February 21 with reports that a man had been seriously injured at an address on Roots Hall Drive in Southend.

"The man, aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital with a stab wound to his leg, where sadly he later died.

"Detectives are continuing their enquiries to establish what happened and anyone with information is asked to contact the South Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk

"Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/"