Basildon murder: Four charged, including girl of 15

Four people, including a girl of 15, have been charged with the murder of Darren Kelly in Basildon, Essex on Tuesday (20 October). Mr Kelly, 42, was found in the street with serious stab wounds after what is believed to be a confrontation with local youths the same day.

He was treated by paramedics and an air ambulance crew before being taken to Basildon Hospital, where he died from his injuries. A post-mortem examination found that the cause of death was multiple stab wounds and blood loss.

Those charged are: Chris Carroll, 20, from Pitsea; a boy, aged 17, from Pitsea; a boy, aged 16 from Basildon; and the girl, also from Pitsea. The four are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Saturday (21 October).

According to a statement released by Essex Police, a 13-year-old girl from Basildon who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail pending further enquiries until December 16.

Describing the aftermath of the attack, local Carole Crisp, 56, said: "He managed to get to our block and was just randomly pressing the buzzers for help. When I answered, he said: 'Help me I've been stabbed'.

"I rushed down with the woman who lives below me, who is a paramedic. He was covered in blood and there was a trail of blood along the street. He had been stabbed in the side and arm. I cut his clothes off while she tried to treat him."

Mr Kelly's daughter, Zoe, released a statement through Essex Police, saying she was "heartbroken" at his death. "No one ever wants to hear the news that a family member has died, let alone to be told that they were murdered. I loved my dad very much. We were very close, and he only lived a short walk away from me. I last saw him on Tuesday morning when he took me to work.

"I'm heartbroken, and to know he's not going to be round the corner any more is very hard. I miss him so much already and it still doesn't feel real, but I hope that wherever he is now he's at peace."