THE girlfriend of a young man knifed to death in a north Essex village has given birth to his son.

Roddy Ashworth

THE girlfriend of a young man knifed to death in a north Essex village has given birth to his son.

Alan Reilly, 25, was stabbed on Coldnailhurst Avenue in Bocking on Tuesday, April 22.

His girlfriend, 21-year-old Rachel Murphy, said: “Alan had been looking forward to becoming a father, but instead we are now preparing his funeral which is later this week.”

Alan's son Cameron Murphy was born shortly before 10am on Thursday weighing just over eight pounds.

Alan's dead body was found by police shortly after the stabbing, which happened at around 10pm. A number of arrests have been made in connection with the killing.

Alan and his family had lived in Braintree for 23 years, attending the Alex Hunter High School as a teenager. Later in life, he met Rachel and the couple lived together in Silver End.

In a joint statement yesterday, his family - 57-year-old mother, Kay Reilly, 54-year-old father, Emmett Reilly, 27-year-old brother Shane Reilly, 24-year-old sister, Leanne Reilly and Ms Murphy - said: “This has been a devastating time for us all.

“Alan will be sadly missed by all that loved him. We will remember his smile and the way he made us laugh.

“We would like to say thanks to Essex Police, family members, friends, Reverend Tony McKentey and the tributes that have poured in, highlighting their kind words and support during this sad time.”

Alan worked as a plater in Braintree and was looking to gain a professional qualification in order to further his career.

A keen woodworker, who was proud to have built his own shed, Alan liked to ride and work on motorcycles and quad bikes. He liked all types of music, but especially R&B.

He liked watching Second World War programmes as well as Only Fools & Horses and property and garden design programmes.

Alan's funeral will take place at the Parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace church in Braintree on Friday, July 11.

Only family members will be bringing flowers, while others have been asked to make donations to London's Great Ormond Street Hospital.

* A 16-year-old boy from Hackney is due to appear at Witham Youth Court on Tuesday, July 8 after having been charged with one count of murder. He is currently remanded in secure accommodation.

A 17-year-old boy from Braintree, an 18-year-old man from south-east London, a 16-year-year-old boy from Hackney, and an 18-year-old man from Hackney, are all currently on police bail until early August pending further enquiries after having been arrested in connection with this killing.