Essex stabbing: Two men arrested after teenager killed outside pub

Police treating murder of 19-year-old as ‘targeted attack’

Flowers left near to the scene where a man, named locally as Liam Taylor 19, died after being stabbed outside the Rose and Crown pub in Writtle, Essex, on 31 January, 2020. (Victoria Jones/PA)

Two men have been arrested over the murder of a teenager stabbed to death outside a village pub.

The victim, named locally as 19-year-old Liam Taylor, died at the scene of the attack outside the Rose and Crown pub in Writtle, Essex, on Friday night.

Another 19-year-old man who was also stabbed during the incident has been discharged from hospital after treatment.

Police said they were treating Mr Taylor’s death as a “targeted attack”.

An 18-year-old man, from Chelmsford, has been detained on suspicion of murder and possession of drugs, and a 21-year-old, also from Chelmsford, is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Both remain in police custody for questioning.

Four men who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday have since been released without charge.

Essex Police said it was carrying out extra patrols in parts of Chelmsford and using enhanced stop and search powers for the Melbourne Estate area until 6pm on Sunday.

The force said two people were arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and another person was given a cannabis warning.

Tributes to Mr Taylor described the teenager as a “lovely and caring” individual. More than 50 people arrived near the scene at The Green on Saturday to lay flowers and release balloons.

Well-wishers were led in a procession and prayer by local vicar the Reverend Tony Cant, before taking part in a minute’s silence.

Mr Taylor’s mother Michelle paid tribute to him on Facebook, writing: “Can’t even believe my beautiful son has been taken from me.. son u (sic) are my world and I know ur (sic) be looking down on me.”

Connor Wise, 21, from the nearby village of Great Baddow, who said he had known Mr Taylor for four years, said: “He was a lovely and caring guy, I would hang out with him in town.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 and quote incident 1107 of Friday 13 January or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by Press Association.