A man has been released without charge while two women are still being quizzed by Essex Police after the murder of a man on New Year's Day. 

Paul Fletcher, who was known by pals as “Dod”, was attacked at his flat in Worcester Drive, Rayleigh, on Friday morning.

Police were called shortly before 1am to the the flat to find the dadof-one was still alive but unresponsive.

But despite the desperate efforts of paramedics to save Paul, who was in his 30s, he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

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.

The local woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. Police believe all parties involved were known to each other

Now, the 39-year-old man has been released without charge, while both woman remain in custody for questioning.

A statement released by Essex Police this afternoon said: "A 39-year-old man has been released without charge. Two women remain in custody for questioning."