The victim of a fatal stabbing in Essex over the weekend has been named by police.

Francis Ntena Nsiangangu, 31, died after being stabbed at Tower Hill at about 7pm on Saturday.

Francis, also known as ‘Casper’, lived in the Brentwood area but his family home is in east London.

An 18-year-old man who was arrested at Brentwood on Sunday on suspicion of murder remains in custody today.

A post mortem examination has revealed that Mr Nsiangangu died from a stab wound to the heart. Four other stab wounds were also found on his body.

Searches for the weapon were being carried out today in an alleyway that runs between properties in Tower Hill and Weald Road.

Extensive enquiries are continuing to trace two other men who were believed to have been in the area at the time of the murder.

DCI Mark Hall said: “We are still investigating a motive for the attack on Francis, including possible links to drug-dealing. But we are keeping an open mind and want to hear from anyone who has any information about his movements that afternoon and evening.

“We especially want to talk to anyone who was in the area of Tower Hill, Weald Road and Sir Francis Way between 7pm and 7.15pm on Saturday.

“We are also asking residents in Tower Hill and Weald Road to check their front and rear gardens for a weapon or any other discarded items.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.