Four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Pitsea, Essex Police said. 

A man in his 40s was found with a stab wound in Northlands Park at 1.35am today and later died in hospital.

Last night, the Essex Police helicopter was seen circling and a cordon was in place at Northlands Park this morning.

Police say officers worked swiftly to make arrests following the incident last night 

Det Insp Kev Hughes, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “I know this incident will concern people living around the Northlands Park area but I want to reassure them we do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the wider public.

“At this time we believe this was a targeted incident with those involved known to each other.

“Officers acted swiftly to make arrests and our enquiries are ongoing."

Essex Police assistant chief constable, Andy Prophet, paid tributes to his officers for their quick action.

He said: "Very quick arrests made by Essex Police. Specialist officers are investigating.

"Basildon communities can be reassured we believe this is a very isolated matter.

"We will have additional officers in the area of Northlands Park as we continue with this investigation."