A murder investigation has been launched and three people have been arrested after a man was found dead in a home.

Police forensics officers are examining a first floor flat in Worcester Drive, Rayleigh.

They were called shortly before 1am this morning and discovered that a man was unresponsive inside the property.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was later pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics. 

Echo:

Scene - a cordon is in place in both sides of the building 

Three people - a 39-year-old local man and a 23-year-old woman, and also a 25-year old woman from Basildon - have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Echo:

Held - three people have been arrested

The local woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We believe that all parties involved were known to each other.

"We'd like to thank neighbours in the area who were incredibly calm and helpful on scene this morning. If you have any information about this incident please call our Major Crime Team on 101 and quote incident number 147 of 1 January."

Echo:

At work - police at the Worcester Drive flat this morning 

Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.