FRIENDS and family are rallying round to help the family of a young rapper, dubbed the Legend of Laindon, who has died aged 26.

A special club night with a range of DJs is taking place at the Edge nightclub in memory of John Arnold, of Gernons, Basildon, who is believed to have committed suicide.

Harry Hopwood, 26, of Long Riding, Basildon, who is a DJ, is helping put together the club night and all proceeds raised are going to John’s partner, Hayley Smith, and their two young boys, Bobbie and Alfie.

Friends have paid tribute on John’s Facebook page since he died on Saturday, October 22.

John went to James Hornsby Secondary School, Laindon, and was an asbestos engineer.

About 300 family and friends went to his funeral on Thursday, November 10, and went to the Joker, in the Laindon centre, after the service.

Mr Hopwood, who will be a DJ on the club night, under the name Acid Harry, added: “We are holding the night in honour of Hayley and the boys to do as much as we can to help them.

“All the money raised from the event will be going straight to the family. It is such a sad situation and we will do all we can to help them.”

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed officers attended the house, but did not find any suspicious circumstances at the scene.

The club night is on from 8pm until 3am. Entry is £5 per person. For more information, call Mr Hopwood on 07543 709673 or e-mail acidman908@yahoo.co.uk