Southend's community leaders have shared their thoughts after a man was fatally stabbed and another man was injured in a separate stabbing.

Southend's council leader John Lamb said: "I am very shocked and saddened to hear about the recent incidents and my thoughts are with the families of those affected.

"We know that these types of serious crimes are very concerning to the local community and when two things such as this happen on the same night it naturally adds to that.

"Councillors from across the political parties worked together to approve additional budget amendments at Thursday night’s council meeting, including increasing the new community safety team by three officers for one year – this would be to provide additional support at the weekend and evening for the town centre.

"The council will always support the police in their efforts to tackle serious crime across the borough, and work jointly with them and other agencies to tackle associated anti-social behaviour.

"This is why we are in direct conversation with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner about additional officers for Southend. We will also fully support the police investigation as required."

Independent councillor Martin Terry is calling for a robust response to a spate of violent knife crime in the heart of the town.

He said: “It is ironic that this happened as we sat in the council chambers on Thursday and agreed yet another massive increase in the police precept and agreed to spend more money to put security in the high street, which is all a sum of the abject failure of the police, fire and crime commissioner.

“This Tory council say they still have confidence in the PFCC, but I am afraid I am far from 100 per cent confident.

“This is not good news, and it is upsetting, but this is just another sign that crime rates are on the up and that clear up rates are down.

“When will the Conservative Council start representing the people of Southend?

“We simply do not have enough police in the town and we must do more to protect our residents.”

Jes Phillips, Labour candidate for Prittlewell ward where Roots Hall Drive is located, said: "I am shocked and devastated to hear of a fatal stabbing in Prittlewell ward. The rise in incidents of violent crime in Southend has shown little sign of slowing down.

"Shortly before this tragic incident took place the councillor for Public Protection, Mark Flewitt, once more reiterated his complete support and faith in the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst.

"The PFCC is the one who sets police budgets, and his recent announcement of new officers barely covers half of the officers we have lost under his government nor does it detail how many of these new officers will be deployed in Southend.

"Unlike Mr Flewitt I have no faith in the PFCC to ensure the police have the resources they need.

"The residents of Prittlewell and the whole of the town deserve to feel safe in their homes and on their streets.

"It is time the Conservatives faced up to the dire situation they created when they tore through police budgets with no regard for public safety, replace the officers they cut, and hire additional police to restore safety before more lives are lost."

Anyone with information about either of the incidents in Southend is urged to contact us on 101.

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.