South Essex has seen a number of tragic murder investigations this year.

Paul May, a 46-year-old from Great Wakering, was found dead in a flat in London Road, on February 13.

Abir Miah, a 44-year-old of London Road, Westcliff, was been found guilty of murdering Paul May by a jury at Basildon Crown Court.

He has been sentenced to life in prison and will have to serve at least 18 years before he is eligible for parole.

During the trial, the court heard that Mr Miah and Mr May were well known to each other.

The body of 46 year-old Mr May was found inside an address in London Road at around 1.20pm on Sunday 13 February after the landlord of the property had gone to change the locks after a previous tenant had moved out.

He saw what he believed to be a ‘fake’ hand under a blanket but when he pulled it back, he discovered Paul’s body.

A murder investigation was launched on July 28, following the disappearance of 30-year-old woman Madison Wright in Pitsea.

Madison’s body was sadly located at Wat Tyler Park on July 30, following a large-scale search by specialist officers.

Last month, Garry Bennett, 37 of Caister Drive appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to murder. A trial has been set for Basildon Crown Court on Monday, March 13.

A man was killed in an attack in Rochford and police launched a murder investigation.

Dominic Clark-Ellingford died after suffering "a single stab wound to the abdomen" in the attack in Lesney Gardens, Rochford on Friday November 25.

Perry Coulson, 38 of Lesney Gardens, Rochford, appeared in Southend Magistrates Court charged with the murder of Mr Ellington.

Essex Police officers were called to an address in Lesney Gardens, Rochford, shortly after 8.30am on Friday after receiving reports of an assault.

Upon arrival, officers found a man in his 30s had sustained a serious injury, but despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died at the scene.