OFFICERS have stepped up patrols around the area of a brutal stabbing.

York Road and the surrounding area in Southend is seeing high visibility policing today following the murder of a 26-year-old man.

The man was attacked outside a property at the junction of York Road and Old Southend Road at about 7pm on Monday.

Blood was seen pouring out of him as he lay unconscious on steps outside the property, while residents tried their best to stop the bleeding with towels.

He was air-lifted to the Royal London Hospital where he died at about 6am yesterday.

Six teenagers aged between 17 and 19 from Southend, Great Wakering, Basildon and London were arrested and are still being questioned by police.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out today.

Ch Insp Simon Anslow, Southend’s district commander, said he had ordered additional police officers.

He added: “A lot of these patrols are to offer reassurance to the community and I would invite people to speak to these officers about any concerns they may have or to pass on any information of relevance to assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information can call Southend police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Today's Echo includes two pages of reaction and witness reports following the murder.