Tributes paid to Westcliff murder victim as man charged in connection
Tributes paid to man killed in Westcliff last weekend
The family of a man found dead in Westcliff last weekend have described him as the "life and soul of the party" in a tribute.
Officers were called last Sunday to concern for a man inside an address on London Road - he was pronounced dead at the scene.
He's now been identified as 46 year-old Paul May from Great Wakering.
In a statement, Paul’s family said: “Paul was a son, a brother, and a father, and his loss really hurts.
“We are so very sad and his death feels so incredibly unfair.
“He was a larger-than-life character, the life and soul of the party.
“We have a big family – Paul was one of seven boys - but he was the funniest of us all and incredibly quick witted.
“He was always trying to make people laugh and searched for the punchline in every situation. He usually found it.
“Paul could turn his hand to anything – whether it be music, sports or art – usually with minimal effort.
“He loved his art.
“In 2013, he was commissioned by C2C to do the artwork for the boards outside Southend East railway station.
“He was really proud of that and knowing that his work brightens up people’s day as they head to work is a comfort to us.
“It means there will always be a piece of him here and that he’s having a positive impact on people’s day.”
On Tuesday officers arrested 44 year-old Abir Miah of London Road in Westcliff - he's now been charged with Paul's murder and is due in court tomorrow.
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about Paul's death to come forward.
In particular, they're looking for anyone who saw people coming and going from the address, which is located between two shops opposite Beedell Avenue, between the early hours of Saturday morning through to Sunday afternoon.
Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of Paul during this exceptionally difficult time.
“My team has worked around the clock since Sunday on what has been a fast-paced and complex murder investigation.
“It is down to their hard work and dedication that we have been able to charge a man today with Paul’s murder.”