Thousands of pounds have been raised to help the disabled son and partner of a man stabbed to death in Grays and has reached more than £5,000 in less than 24 hours.

Kevin Malthouse from Stanford-le-Hope was stabbed repeatedly in the chest in Blackshots Lane at around 12.35am in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 1), and despite the efforts of paramedics was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three other men remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

In the aftermath of the tragic news, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support Kevin's wife Jodie and young disabled son Ellis, who needs around-the-clock care.

Organiser Matt McCarthy, a cousin of Kevin's wrote: "We would appreciate everyone's donations to help Jodie and Ellis financially through this saddest time."

Since the page was created on Sunday afternoon (July 2), more than £5,500 of the total £10,000 target has been raised.

If you would like to help them, you can visit the page here

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 three remain in custody.