Floral tributes have been left in memory of a much-loved father who died after an assault near a Canvey pub.
Essex Police launched a murder investigation after a man in his 40s died after being assaulted near to The Haystack pub.
On Saturday morning (February 4) the victim was found injured in the car park to Iceland in Furtherwick Road.
He has since been named locally as Matt Portwood who worked as a doorman at venues across south Essex, according to friends.
A fundraiser has been set up to support Mr Portwood's family which has raised thousands of pounds.
Heartfelt written tributes have since been left near the scene, at the entrance of the car park, alongside flowers in memory of the "very special" dad.
One card left with flowers read: "Cannot believe I am writing this, just wish this wasn't true. Rest easy up there."
Another heartbreaking tribute says: "Matt, words cannot explain how much you will be missed."
It continues: "You did not deserve this. Someone has taken you away from your children. We love you lots."
Three people have been arrested today on suspicion of murder.
A 24-year-old man from Croydon, a 28 year-old man from Beckton, and a 58 year-old man of no fixed address, were arrested on suspicion of murder.
They are all currently in custody.
Detective Inspector Kev Hughes, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Our investigation continues to make good progress, but I still need people with information to come forward.
“In particular I need anyone who was in The Haystack pub on Friday night into Saturday morning, who hasn’t already spoken to us, to come forward.
“There were people in the pub before the assault took place and some who had gone outside at the time it happened.
“Our priority is to establish all the information we can about the fatal assault, that is what we’re interested in.
“If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to us, then please contact Crimestoppers where you can remain 100 percent anonymous.”
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