DETECTIVES have been granted additional time to question a man as part of an ongoing murder investigation.

The 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Courtney Valentine-Brown on Tuesday.

Echo:

Killed - Courtney Valentine-Brown

Police officers usually have 24 hours to charge, bail or release suspects in investigations.

However, a police superintendent can authorise the detention of someone suspected of a indictable offence for a further 12 hours if needed.

The man became the fifth person to be arrested in connection to the death of 36-year-old Courtney, who suffered a fatal stab wound in Roots Hall Drive.

The incident took place shortly before midnight on Thursday, February 21. One man has been charged with his murder.

Ian Slater, 49, of Wayletts, Leigh, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday where a provisional six-week trial date was set for later this year.

He is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on April 17.

Three other people have been arrested for various offences in connection with the murder investigation.

A 17-year-old boy from London was arrested on Monday, on suspicion of intent to supply Class A drugs and later released under investigation.

A 28-year-old woman from Westcliff arrested, also on Monday, on suspicion of permitting premises to be used for drug supply and obstructing a police officer.

She has been bailed until March 20.

A 30 year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder has been released on bail until March 21.

Mr Valentine-Brown was described by his family as “ambitious, cheeky and extremely creative with his whole future ahead of him, despite his life challenges”.

The 36-year-old was convicted of drug dealing in 2016 and received a five-year prison sentence.