THE heart broken parents of a young murder victim have paid tribute to their “perfect son” as a huge shrine is created in his memory.

Luke Bellfield, 18, from Eastwood died as a result of a single stab wound to the heart after the attack in Old Leigh on Friday night.

Essex Police have launched a murder investigation and are treating it as a targeted incident.

Balloons spelling out his name and age, flowers, candles and tributes have now been laid in a shrine created near The Peterboat, High Street, Leigh.

Echo:

A note from his family reads: “To our darling boy, you were loved by so many.

“Taken too soon, the pain is unbearable, our hearts are broken, thank you for being a perfect son.

“We will always have such lovely memories, you had a heart of gold, so kind, helpful, hardworking and extremely handsome.

“All our love forever and always, fly high baby. Mum, Dad, Billy and Levi.”

Echo:

Neighbours living near the family home spoke of a kind and polite young man.

Paul Barratt, 71, of Belgrave Close, Eastwood, said: “He was a very nice young man and I’ve never known of him having any issues with anyone at all.

“I am very shocked he would be attacked like this and think it’s so sad and tragic.

“I’ve seen him grow up into such a great young man and everyone only had good things to say about him.

“I hope the family are doing as well as possible and hopefully the community comes together to help and support them.

“I cannot imagine what they’re going through at this time.

“I know he loved his boxing and was known for it all.”

READ MORE >> Southend: Gang of 20 yobs run riot at Skatey McSkateface skate park

David Rose, 59, of Belgrave Close, Eastwood said Luke was always polite and friendly and would say hello in the street.

He added: “He was well known around here especially for his boxing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this terrible time.

“I hope the police catch who has done this and they are brought to justice as we can’t have people going about doing this sort of thing.”

Residents in Old Leigh, near to the scene, also spoke of their shock and sadness.

Many visitors stopped and looked at the shrine and read the touching messages to the teenager.

ALSO READ >> London Resort: 2,000 theme park workers to live in Tilbury

Veronica Osbourne, 37, of Leigh, said: “It’s so shocking to have this happen, especially in our town.

“It’s such a lovely place and it’s heartbreaking seeing the flowers and messages.

“I’ve lived here all my life and have never known anything like this ever as nothing really happens here.

“I hope older and more vulnerable people do not feel too scared and worried about this, and I think as a community we must stand strong together.

“People shouldn’t be going out and about in the lockdown and certainly not doing anything like this.

“It must be worse for the family to deal with after everything else in the past year or so with Covid.”