Hundreds of cards and flowers have been left to remember teen who was stabbed to death in Southend.

Fabian Kacica, 19, of Lornes Close, Southend, was attacked following a disturbance in Farringdon Service Road, outside the Forum, Southend, on Monday night.

Police officers cordoned off Elmer Square, outside the library, while forensic examination of the scene was carried out.

The cordon has now been lifted and the community has left a number of floral tributes, as well as candles and cards in memory of Fabian, a former Cecil Jones student who only celebrated his 19th birthday earlier this month.

One read: “Rest in Peace Fabian.

“We will miss you. Love you, Kourtnee x”.

Chief Executive Officer Beverly Williams, head of Legra, the academy running Cecil Jones Academy, said: “We are extremely shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news about Fabian Kacica, who was a pupil at Cecil Jones until 2015.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. If anyone has any information regarding the incident, I would urge them to contact the police immediately.”

Emergency powers have been introduced in Southend allowing Essex Police to stop and search members of the public for offensive weapons.

Southend district commander Chief Insp Neil Pudney said: “We have been listening to the community’s concerns and there will be extra patrols in the town centre area throughout the rest of this week.

“I have drafted additional officers into the area from our community policing team, special constabulary and operational support group.

“Community support officers will also be on patrol. 

“Tackling violent crime is a key priority in Southend and last month we saw a reduction following increased patrols and by working closely with Operation Raptor officers and British Transport Police to tackle drug movements. 

“We have also been visiting schools to educate young people about the dangers and consequences of knife crime.

“We would continue to urge people to be vigilant and to call us with any information.

“The decision to put in place a Section 60 power is never taken lightly but we have taken this option to ensure the public’s safety and deal swiftly with anyone who is intent on causing trouble.”

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 provides additional powers for an officer in uniform to stop and search a member of the public or a vehicle for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments with no requirement on the officer conducting the search to form a “reasonable suspicion” prior to exercising the power.

David Burzotta, Southend ward councillor for Chalkwell welcome the measures introduced by the police and added: “At times of tragedy all representatives must come together to seek solutions to the problems of our borough.

"We must continue to demonstrate steadfast support for our police during these challenging times as well as maintain a zero-tolerance towards those who carry knives.”

Police are asking witnesses, anyone in the area of The Forum between 8pm and 9pm or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage to contact Rayleigh Major Investigations Team on 101. You should quote incident 1258 of May 14 or e-mail scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk. Video footage and photographs can be submitted at https://mipp.police.uk