A FATHER who was killed on New Year's Day was stabbed through the chest, it has been confirmed.

Essex Police say a post-mortem examination has found that Paul Fletcher, 31, was killed in Worcester Drive in Rayleigh after being stabbed in the chest.

He was found unresponsive at an address in the road at around 1am on New Year’s Day and, sadly, died at the scene.

Hannah Sindrey, 23, of Worcester Drive, Rayleigh, has been charged with murder and appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

She is next due in court at a later date.

A 25 year-old woman arrested has been released on bail until January 29.

Friends have previously paid tribute to Mr Fletcher.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the Major Crime Team on 101 and quote incident number 147 of January 1.

You can also submit information online via a specially set up online portal: mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020120P57-PO1.

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