POLICE in Essex have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a man in Bocking, Braintree.

POLICE in Essex have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a man in Bocking, Braintree.

Officers were contacted by the ambulance service at about 10pm on Tuesday night following reports of a stabbing in Coldnailhurst Avenue.

Police arrived at the scene to find the body of a 25-year-old local man lying in the street.

A police cordon was put up and a knife recovered.

Investigating officers want to trace a group of three men who were with the victim moments before he died but would also like to hear from anybody who was in the area between 9pm and 10pm.

Anyone with any information can call police on 0300 333 4444.