Two men arrested after murder of teenager outside Essex village pub

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a teenager in an Essex village. 19-year-old Liam Taylor was stabbed to death in Writtle on Friday night.

Today police confirmed an 18-year-old from Chelmsford has been arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of drugs. A 21-year-old man, also from Chelmsford, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. They remain in custody for questioning.

Four men who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday have since been released without charge.

It comes as Essex Police carry out extra patrols and using enhanced stop and search powers in nearby Chelmsford.

Read more on the tributes paid to stabbing victim Liam Taylor.

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows uniformed officers to search people for dangerous objects and weapons without the need to have a reasonable suspicion.

The use of these powers under Section 60 has been authorised for the Melbourne Estate area and is in place until 6pm today (Sunday 2 February).

Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper said the decision to put the powers in place was not taken lightly.

The investigation into Liam's murder is continuing.