A murder investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found in a launderette.

Police officers cordoned off Southend Road in Grays late on Monday after reports that more than up to five suspects carrying weapons were seen coming out of Baylee’s launderette.

When police arrived, they found the body of a man who had received multiple injuries.

It is understood that the man who died was one of the burglary suspects who went into the launderette.

The road building was cordoned off when the police arrived, shortly after 10pm. A forensic tent was set up outside the building and a dog unit van was at the scene.

Although the incident is being treated as a murder investigation currently, police have said that self-defence is a possibility.

Det Chief Insp Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Early witness accounts suggest that suspects entered the building and carried out an aggravated burglary within the living area.

“During that incident, one of the suspects was fatally injured. The remaining suspects have then escaped with a number of weapons left at the scene.

“Self-defence is a line of enquiry in this case, however, it is important that we remain open-minded and carry out a thorough investigation to establish the truth and the facts. We will do that as quickly as possible.

“We are also trying trace next of kin, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

Police arrested a 39-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody for questioning.

A resident of Southend Road, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I heard shouting from across the road.

“The police turned up quite quickly and when I heard the helicopter I knew it was serious.

“I was too scared to go outside until I knew it was safe.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact Harlow Major Investigation Team on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously..