POLICE tonight named a young man who was found stabbed to death in Essex.

POLICE tonight named a young man who was found stabbed to death in Essex.

Alan Reilly, 25, of Trotters Field, Braintree, was found dead in Coldnailhurst Avenue, Bocking, at about 10pm on Tuesday.

Results of a post mortem examination have yet to be released, but it is understood the local man had been stabbed.

A knife was recovered but officers are not yet sure if it was used in the incident and have appealed for anyone who finds a bladed item to leave it where they find it and contact them.

Police believe a gathering of people on the street shortly before the incident, close to the junction with Lancaster Way, was related to the killing.

An Essex Police spokeswoman confirmed: “One line of enquiry at the moment is that the incident is related to drugs.”

Two men, aged 17 and 18, arrested in connection with the murder have been released on police bail until May 30.

Speaking yesterday, Detective Superintendent John Quinton, of Essex Police's major investigation unit, said: “There are at least two other men I am keen to speak to in relation to this enquiry.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone in Coldnailhurst Avenue area between 6pm and midnight who saw anything which might be relevant to the investigation.

“We believe that at one point, a small dark salon car pulled up and the assault occurred a short time after this car arrived.

“There will be people locally who were key witnesses to what happened or have heard whispers about who might be involved and I urge them to come and speak to us at the earliest opportunity.”

Anyone with information about the attack should call 0300 333 4444.