Police are questioning three men on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in Essex.
Kevin Malthouse, 24, from Stanford-le-Hope, suffered multiple wounds during a disturbance in Blackshots Lane, Grays, in the early hours of Saturday. Three other men are being treated for injuries believed to be life-threatening.
Malthouse was described by friends as a talented footballer and “one in a million”.
An 18-year-old man from Tilbury, who suffered a chest wound, another 18-year-old man from Tilbury, who suffered a serious stomach wound, and a 39-year-old man from the Corringham area, who suffered a stomach wound, are all being treated at Basildon hospital.
Police said they were called, along with ambulance services, at 12.35am to reports of a number of men fighting in Blackshots Lane. Paramedics tried to save Malthouse’s life but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident is believed to be linked to another assault reported to police at 1.55am, in which an 18-year-old man suffered a head injury and was knocked unconscious in Fleming Road, Chafford Hundred. He was taken to hospital for treatment and later arrested on suspicion of murder.
Two other men, a 22-year-old from Grays and a 21-year-old from South Ockendon, were also arrested on suspicion of murder.
Malthouse played for Tilbury football club between 2011 and 2014, making 23 appearances in a stint that was disrupted by injuries. In a statement, the club said it was “a very sad time” and passed its condolences to his friends and family.
On Facebook, Cameron Banks wrote: “Everyone becomes a nice guy once they die but Kevin Malthouse really was one in a million, I don’t know anyone that could say a bad word against him. In complete shock at what I’ve just woke [sic] up to.”
James Imber said he was also struggling to comprehend the news and described Malthouse as a “good player and aspiring coach”.
Can't believe what I've heard. Rip Kevin Malthouse. Too young. Good player and aspiring coach.
— James Imber (@JamesImber) July 1, 2017
Det Insp Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, said: “Although we have made arrests, our inquiries are ongoing. A number of witnesses have already come forward and I am grateful for their assistance.
“We have been told there were a number of people in the area at the time and I want to speak to anyone who was in Blackshots Lane who saw what happened and can help us piece together the events leading up to this incident.”
