Tributes have been paid to a new father who was killed in Braintree.

The victim has been identified by police as Michael Haastrup, 24, from Southend.

He was taken to Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, late on Wednesday, April 16 after receiving knife wounds, but was declared dead at 9am the following morning.

A post mortem examination found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the heart.

His family have issued a tribute to Michael, who had recently become a father.

They said: “Michael was a new father, a son, a brother and a good friend who had his whole life ahead of him.

“He had just got a new job and had a lovely new home with his partner and new son.

“He was loved by many and helped people when he could. He used to bring in young homeless children to spend Christmas with his family to make them feel a part of this world again and bring hope into their lives.

“May his humble soul rest in peace.”

A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of his murder on Thursday evening remains after detectives were given a 36-hour extension by magistrates yesterday to continue questioning him.

A 20-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Police in Essex have charged a man with the murder of Michael Haastrup.

Luke Eva, 24, of Avondale Road, Leigh-on-Sea, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford magistrates on Monday.

Mr Haastrup, from Southend, was taken to Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, late on Wednesday, April 16, with knife wounds, but was declared dead at 9am the following morning.

A post mortem exam found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the heart.