A 14-year-old boy is among three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after a 21-year-old man was stabbed to death in a Chelmsford park on Friday evening.
The Arrests
Emergency services were called to Central Park at around 7pm on June 12 following reports of an assault. The victim was found with critical injuries and pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. Residents reported seeing multiple ambulances, police cars and an air ambulance in attendance.
Essex Police said inquiries began immediately and quickly led officers to an address in Auckland Close, Chelmsford. Three boys, aged 14, 17 and 18 – all from Chelmsford – were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning. Search activity is continuing at the address, and the force has said it is not currently seeking anyone else in connection with the incident, confirming there is no ongoing risk to the public.
The Victim
The man who died has not yet been publicly identified. His family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers. Detective Inspector Lydia George, the senior investigating officer, described the incident as “deeply distressing” and said the family is grieving. She appealed to the public and media to respect their privacy during the early stages of the investigation.
Central Park, a busy public area in the Essex city, has seen previous violent incidents. In April 2019 a man was stabbed in the back near a children’s play area; a machete was reportedly recovered from a nearby stream by police, and the victim was airlifted to hospital before being released. Police believed that attack to be targeted, and no arrests were made. In June 2024, a man in his 20s was found with critical injuries on nearby Seymour Street following an assault; he was taken to hospital by air ambulance in a critical condition, and again no arrests were made.
Police Appeal and Investigation
Detective Inspector George stressed the importance of the public appeal, noting that the incident took place in a busy area where many people may have been present or passing through. “We have already received valuable assistance from the public, but we continue to appeal for information,” she said. “Even the smallest detail could prove crucial.”
She urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV footage to come forward, and advised against speculation, warning that it could cause additional distress to those affected and potentially impact the investigation. Police will maintain a visible presence in the Chelmsford area to provide reassurance as inquiries continue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police online at essex.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 1087 of June 12.
