A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man stabbed in Southend died – and video footage of a suspect released.

Police were called to Napier Avenue, at the junction of Queens Road, at 2.15pm on Saturday to reports a 19-year-old man from London had been found with a stab wound to his chest.

He was taken to Southend, then Basildon, hospitals and died this afternoon.

Two men have been charged in connection with this investigation and are currently before the courts.

Detectives have also released CCTV footage of a man they want to identify who was in the area at the time.

He is described as having an olive skinned complexion, 5ft 10ins tall, with closely cropped hair.

He wore a black puffa jacket, black hooded top, blue jeans and black trainers.

Detective Inspector Danny Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "We urgently need to identify this man and speak to him as part of our enquiries.”

Anyone who recognises him or has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to dial 999 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org