A teenager has been charged with stabbing a London student to death.

Tajwar Alam, 18, of Seaford Road, South Tottenham, has been charged with the murder of Hassan Mohammed.

Mr Mohammed, 24, from Camberwell, had been visiting friends in Southend last Monday when he was stabbed twice in the street at around 7pm.

He was airlifted to Southend hospital for emergency surgery, but died from his wounds the following morning.

A post-mortem report shows he bled to death.

In a statement released through Essex Police, his family said: "Hassan was a very friendly, caring person.

"He grew from a boy into a man and was a protector and best friend to his family.

"He was loved by all but especially by his two nieces who adored their Uncle Hass immensely.

"We pray that justice is served and that he soon will be able to rest in peace."

Mr Alam, who has also been charged with possession of a bladed instrument, will now appear before magistrates at Southend today.

Further arrests have been made in connection with the murder, but Mr Alam is the only person to be charged to date.

A 17-year-old boy from north London has also been charged with firearms offences and possession of cannabis with intent to supply and will also appear before the town's magistrates today.

A 17-year-old boy from Southend who was arrested on Friday night is still helping police with their enquiries and remains in custody at Southend police station.

Another 17-year-old boy from north London was arrested on Wednesday for possession of an offensive weapon and assisting an offender, but released on bail on Friday pending further police inquiries. He will face no further action in relation to the murder.

Six men aged between 17 and 19 who were arrested on Monday have also been released with no further action in relation to the murder, police added.