A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder after a "ambitious and creative" man was killed in Southend.

Ian Slater, 49, of Wayletts, Leigh, appeared at Southend Magistrate's Court on Wednesday morning, charged with murdering Courtney Valentine-Brown, 36, on Thursday February 21.

Mr Valentine-Brown, 36, was found injured at an address in Roots Hall Drive shortly before midnight, and sadly died later in hospital, with a forensic post-mortem examination finding he had died from a stab wound to his leg.

Slater appeared behind reinforced glass at magistrate's court dressed in a grey, long-sleeve jumper.

He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth, and appeared to be fighting back tears as he spoke.

Chair of the magistrates board Paula Fisher referred the case to crown court, and told Slater he would appear via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court at 10am on Tuesday morning.

Two other people have been arrested in connection to Mr Valentine-Brown's killing.

A 35 year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of murder last night, and a 30 year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder has been released on bail until March 21.

In a tribute, Mr Valentine-Brown's family said: “We are heartbroken over the murder of our dear son, brother, uncle and cousin who was tragically taken away from us prematurely.

“He was ambitious, cheeky and extremely creative with his whole future ahead of him despite his life challenges.”