Neighbours have of spoken of their horror after finding out a man had been killed in a care home just doors from where they live.

Essex Police have launched a murder investigation following the death at a care home in Swan lane, Wickford - believed to be Longcroft Care Home - last night.

The victim, a man in his 60s, was attacked inside the home at around 7pm.

Mike Saywood, 60, who lives on Swan Lane, said: “Yesterday evening about 8pm we saw the air ambulance land on the cricket pavilion behind the home.

“We knew something had happened, but we didn’t realise it would be anything like this.

“It’s really sad to hear that someone has lost their life, you don’t really hear about this kind of thing round here.”

Emergency services were called to the scene but despite the efforts of paramedics, the man sadly died. 

A 43-year-old man from Wickford has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody while police continue their enquiries.

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Picture shows cordon outside Wickford care home for murder probe

A 72-year-old resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “When we saw the air ambulance land on the cricket field last night we was a bit confused, but we knew whatever it was something must’ve been seriously wrong.

“We kept an ear out to see if anyone knew what had happened, and that’s when we saw online that police had put a statement out saying that someone had sadly died and that there had been an arrest.

“We were obviously so shocked, the care home has been there for a few years now and we’ve lived here for 40 odd- personally I’ve never heard about them having any problems.

“Police came to the scene yesterday evening and put a cordon in place. They were probably there for about three hours and officers are still outside there now.”

The care home has been contacted for comment.