HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a “caring and great man” who was killed in an incident at in Westcliff.

Yesterday, police released the identity of the man who died after being assaulted in Hainault Avenue at around 10.35pm on Saturday 25 September.

Since, tributes have poured in to James Avis, 35.

Police and medics were called to the incident but Mr Avis died at the scene.

Hollie Glenister, 33, said Mr Avis was always there for her after being friends from a young age.

She said: “I’ve know him since I was a little girl and we went to school together at Sweyne Park. He also knows my brother and I would hang about with him and go for a drink.

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“I’ve got lots of good memories and he was such a caring person and I just don’t know where this has come from, it was such a shock.

“We last spoke in April and he’d check in with me and I feel like I’ve lost a good friend who I could turn to and I don’t have many people I can turn to.

“My brother was also so upset when he found out about the death too.”

Fellow friend Lauren Reason said Mr Avis was a great man and support to her.

The 30-year-old, who once lived with Mr Avis, said: “We grew very close over the years, he was family to me and he supported me through a very bad time in my life.

Echo:

“He was was so selfless, he battled with his own demons and suffered from depression and anxiety yet would always be there for everyone else. He was truly a great man and one of a kind.”

Radu Ciobanu, 24, of Kings Chase, Witham was arrested shortly after the incident and has subsequently been charged with manslaughter. He is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on October 26.

Police are continuing to appeal for information and have urged anyone who may be able to help to call 101 and quote reference 42/209679/21.