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Police have arrested five children aged 13 to 16 after a Good Samaritan in his 30s was stabbed to death while trying to help another man.   

The victim was stabbed in Laindon, Essex, at around 9.30pm on Sunday while 'going to the aid of another man'.  

Police have since arrested three boys and two girls in connection with the killing.

The victim was found in Iris Mews with stab wounds and died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics.   

Detective chief superintendent Steve Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'Our enquiries have led us to believe the victim was going to the aid of another man and, as a result, he lost his life during an altercation which ensued with a group of young people not directly known to him.

'It is a tragic loss of life and we are continuing to appeal for the public's help.

'We are really keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard anything happen in Iris Mews shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday.

'We are also keen to hear from anyone who has seen any discarded weapons in the area.

'If anyone knows anything about this murder and has not yet come forward to speak to us, please do.

'A family has been broken apart, and we need to get to the bottom of what happened.'

Four teenagers were arrested on the night, with another picked up on Monday.

Two of the teenagers have since been released on bail until May 25 and May 28, a further child was released on bail overnight and two others remain in custody.