Two teenagers have been charged with murder following the death of a man in Southend.

Lee Chapman was found with stab wounds in Cromer Road at around 11.50pm last Friday.

The 26-year-old from Southend was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

The teenagers, boys aged 16 and 17 who are both from Southend, cannot be named for legal reasons and have been remanded to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court today.

One of the boys has also been charged with possession with intent to supply drugs.

Police also arrested a 44 year-old man and a 45-year-old woman and they have been released on bail until next month.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their support and their assistance throughout our investigation into Lee’s death.

“We continue to treat the attack on him as targeted and we are continuing to appeal for witnesses, including dash cam footage.

“I would urge people with information to call our Major Investigations Team on 101 quoting incident 1467 of 6 March or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."