Tributes have been paid to a man who was stabbed in Braintree.

Michael Haastrup, 24, from Southend, was attacked in Cressing Road on Wednesday night and died the next day at Papworth Hospital, Cambridgeshire.

He had recently become a father.

His family said: "Michael was a new father, a son, a brother and a good friend who had his whole life ahead of him.

“He had just got a new job and had a lovely new home with his partner and new son.

"He was loved by many and helped people when he could.

“He used to bring in young homeless children to spend Christmas with his family to make them feel a part of this world again and bring hope into their lives.

"May his humble soul rest in peace."

A 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of his murder currently remains in custody being questioned by detectives.

A 20-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Michael was one of two men injured just before 11pm on Wednesday outside a home in Cressing Road.

The second man, also in his 20s and from Braintree, received facial and other injuries.