A man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Brentwood yesterday evening.

The victim was found collapsed in Tower Hill, near the junction with Sir Francis Way, at 7.20pm.

Paramedics tried to revive the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 8pm.

At 5.15pm today (Sunday) Essex Police arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

A post-mortem examination found the provisional cause of death to be from a stab wound to the heart. The examination also found four other stab wounds on the body.

Police officers notified the victim’s next of kin and are supporting them while the investigation continues.

Most of the police cordons in the area have now been lifted but the alleyway in Tower Hill will remain closed overnight.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hall, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “The victim was found with stab injuries close to the town centre on a busy Saturday evening and it is important that I speak with anyone who saw the incident.

“We are investigating possible links to drug-dealing in the area but are keeping an open mind at this stage.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.