Lakeside Shopping Centre is open as usual this morning after a man died sparking a police murder probe.

Police were called to reports of a man injured after a serious assault inside the shopping centre shortly before 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.

Essex Police announced the man died at the scene.

Bosses say the centre is open as usual today. A spokesman for the centre said: "A serious assault took place in Lakeside shopping centre yesterday.

"Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the victim was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this extremely distressing time.”

It is believed he had been attacked by two men who are described as being black or Asian.

One was wearing blue ripped jeans, a white t-shirt, black trainers and a black puffer jacket, and carrying a small bag, and the other described as wearing a blue tracksuit and white trainers.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “I want to extend my condolences to the family after this awful attack.

“At the time of the assault, this area of the shopping centre will have been busy so I believe someone will have seen what happened.

“I need them to contact my team of dedicated, specialist officers and staff.

“I know this attack will cause concern but at this stage we believe this is a targeted attack and there’s no risk to the wider public.”

If you saw anything or have any video footage, you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Please quote incident 750 of 28 April.

You can also call Essex Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.