Three men have been arrested following a disturbance in which a man died and three others were seriously injured.

Police were called at 12.35am today with reports of a number of men fighting in Blackshots Lane.

Officers and the ambulance service attended and found a 24-year-old man from Stanford-le-Hope had been stabbed in the chest.

Sadly despite the efforts of paramedics, he was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police received a further call shortly after 1.05am with reports three men had attended Basildon Hospital. They are currently being treated for injuries that are believed to be life threatening.

They are an 18-year-old man from Tilbury, who suffered a chest wound, another 18-year-old man from Tilbury, who suffered a serious stomach wound, and a 39-year-old man from the Corringham area, who suffered a stomach wound.

The incident in Blackshots Lane is believed to be linked to another assault, which was reported to police at 1.55am.

An 18-year-old man had been assaulted in Fleming Road, Chafford Hundred. He suffered a head injury and was knocked unconscious. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later arrested on suspicion of murder.

Two men, aged 22 from Grays and 21 from South Ockendon, were also arrested on suspicion of murder.

All are currently in custody awaiting questioning.

Detective Inspector Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Although we have made arrests, our enquiries are ongoing.

“A number of witnesses have already come forward and I am grateful for their assistance.

“We have been told there were a number of people in the area at the time and I want to speak to anyone who was in Blackshots Lane who saw what happened and can help us piece together the events leading up to this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brentwood Major Investigation Team on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, they can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.