• Murder victim formally identified as James Gregoire, 54, of Clacton
  • Darren Gilbert, 21, of Holland Road, Clacton, appeared in court on Friday morning charged with murder - full story
  • Post-mortem exam reveals victim died from "several stab wounds" to the upper body - full story

TRIBUTES have been paid to a father who was stabbed in an alleyway in Clacton town centre.

The victim has been named as James Gregoire, who was known in the town as Pongo.

Mr Gregoire, 54, of Old Road, Clacton, died after being stabbed in the alleyway close to Clacton Covered Market after an altercation started in a flat in High Street.

Police were called to the scene shortly before 11.45pm on Monday.

Darren Gilbert, 21, of Holland Road, Clacton, appeared in court Friday morning charged with murder, attempted murder and two counts of making threats to kill.

Gilbert, who is unemployed, was charged on Thursday night and appear before magistrates in Colchester this morning.

He was remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.

Essex Police today confirmed Mr Gregoire was stabbed with a "bladed weapon" which has yet to be found. A post mortem examination is also set to take place on Wednesday.

A man in his 20s was yesterday in hospital in a serious but not life-threatening condition. Another man received minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

It is understood all of those involved in the incident were known to each other.

Police today fomally identified the victim as James Gregoire. A post mortem examination has revealed that Mr Gregoire died from "several stab wounds to the upper body".

Mr Gregoire’s son Nathan posted a message to his father on his Facebook page.

He said: “RIP Daddy, I can’t believe you’re gone. I don’t know what to say.

“I ain't seen you in a while. I’m going to miss you so much. Love you forever and always.”

Daughter Emma Gregoire simply added: “RIP to my daddy”.

A friend of Mr Gregoire’s daughter Jasmine told the Gazette: “I’ve known Pongo for about three years. He’s a nice bloke – he just liked to chill out.”

Forensic detectives are on the scene and a tent has been set up in the alleyway between Beach Road and Clacton’s Covered Market.

Supt Steve Ditchburn, of Essex Police, said: “I know the news about this incident will have caused some distress to local residents.

“Unfortunately due to the large number of scenes and the extensive cordon day-to-day business in Clacton town centre has been severely disrupted.

“This is necessary to ensure as much early evidence is gathered as possible. We are working as quickly as we can to keep disruption to a minimum.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who has information about the murder, saw any men in and around the Rosemary Road and Station Road areas of the town at around 11.30pm last night, or who has any information which may assist detectives, to contact us as soon as possible.”