Heartbroken mum's tribute to teenage son stabbed to death outside Essex village pub

A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her teenage son who was murdered last night outside a pub in an Essex village.

Liam Taylor, 19, was stabbed to death near the Rose and Crown in Writtle in what police think was a targeted attack. A second man was rushed to Broomfield Hospital in nearby Chelmsford with non-life threatening stab injuries.

The pub and surrounding road has been sealed off and half a dozen police officers remain at the scene this morning.

Writing on social media, Liam's mum Michelle said: "Can’t even believe my beautiful son has been taking from me. Son you are my world and I know you'll be looking down on me. Sleep tight my baby boy till we meet again mummy loves u sooooo much."

Dozens of people have laid flowers at the scene this morning. One tribue reads “RIP Liam. You will always be in our hearts. Too young to die. Love you"

Essex police have confirmed that four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after officers were called at 8pm on Friday to reports two men had been assaulted.

An 85-year-old woman, from Lodge Road, who did not want to be named, said serious incidents were rare in Writtle."I've lived here for 40 years and nothing like this ever happens," she said."It's such a quiet place."Another 81-year-old dog walker, who lives five minutes away from the pub, said:"It's a shame it happened at that lovely little pub, the owners must bedevastated."

Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 and quote incident 1107 of Friday 31 January or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.