Seven people have been arrested during search warrants in Pitsea executed by officers investigating the murder of Dwayne Forrester.

Mr Forrester was found injured in Little Garth, Pitsea, at around 8.45pm on Saturday, July 7 and sadly died later in hospital.

A post-mortem examination found he had suffered a stab wound to his chest.

Last week, Essex Police issued an appeal for information about the sale of drugs following the stabbing.

Search warrants were carried out at three addresses in Buckerills and Stagden Cross this morning.

A 21 year-old man and a 46 year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs, a 20 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B or C drugs, and a 35 year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs.

A 13 year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of breaching a court order, a 15 year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and a public order offence, and a 17 year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and obstructing a police officer.

All seven are currently in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “These pre-planned search warrants are part of the thorough investigation in Mr Forrester’s murder.

“Forensic examinations and searches of the addresses are being conducted.

“My officers continue to follow a number of leads but I’m still eager to speak to anyone with any information who’s not already contacted us.

“If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to the police then you can contact Crimestoppers where you’ll be able to give information 100 percent anonymously.”

If you have any information you can contact us on 101 quoting incident 1418 of 07/07 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.