A man who died after being stabbed near Wake Arms roundabout "was taken too early", his family have said.

The victim who was found with life threatening injuries on Epping Road, Epping on June 23 has been named as Stephen Morrisson, 30, from Plaistow in east London.

His family have now spoken out to pay tribute to the 30-year-old.

They said: "Our Stevo, he was larger than life itself.

"He was taken too early and so tragically and our lives will never be the same again.

"He leaves such a big empty hole that can never be filled."

The Morrisson family added: "We ask that you please respect our privacy at what is a very difficult time for us all."

Police believe Mr Morrisson was attacked in a car park between Robin Hood roundabout and the Wake Arms roundabout on Epping New Road.

Officers were called to the scene shortly before 8pm. He was taken to hospital and died later that evening.

A forensic post-mortem examination found that he had suffered a stab wound.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder.

  • A 30-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday (June 30). He was released on bail until Friday, July 24.
  • A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of cannabis after a Met Police officers stopped a vehicle in Hackney at 4pm yesterday afternoon, (Friday, July 4). He has transferred into the custody of Essex Police.
  • Two other people, a man and a woman, were arrested in connection with the murder investigation in the early hours of yesterday morning. Both been released on bail until Tuesday, July 28.

Detectives still want to hear from anyone who was in the area between 3pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday 23 June and saw or heard any suspicious or unusual behaviour, along with anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Major Crime Team through the major incident public reporting site: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020120P45-PO1

Alternatively, you can call 101 and quote crime reference 1191 of June 23 or independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously.