A SECOND man has been charged with the murder of a man in Southend.

Alex Stephens, 36, of Hamlet Court Road, in Westcliff, will appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court today, charged with murdering Courtney Valentine-Brown.

The 36-year-old was stabbed in the leg at an address at Roots Hall Drive on February 21. He later died in hospital.

Ian Slater, 49, of Wayletts, Leigh, has also been charged with the murder of Mr Valentine-Brown earlier this week.

He will next appear at Basildon Crown Court on April 17.

A 28-year-old woman, from Westcliff, was arrested on February 25 on suspicion of permitting premises to be used for drug supply and obstructing a police officer. She has been released on bail until March 20.

A 30-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder has been released on bail until March 21.

A 17-year-old boy from London, who was arrested on suspicion of intent to supply Class A drugs, remains released under investigation.