Police are urging people “not to take matters into their own hands” following the murder of Luke Bellfield.

The warning comes after a 17-year-old boy, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, was released on conditional bail.

Essex Police are warning people not to retaliate and to let them continue with their murder investigation, after Luke, 18, was stabbed to death on Friday.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton said: “We’re progressing our enquiries into the circumstances behind Luke’s death and I would ask anyone considering taking matters into their own hands not to do so, but let us investigate.

“Officers continue to carry out extra patrols in order to ensure people feel safe and to identify anyone intent on committing crime.

“I’d like to thank the community for their support during our investigation and helping with our enquiries.”

There has been a greater police presence in Leigh as officers work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Officers were supported by the community policing team yesterday as they went out on patrol.

Leigh ward councillor, Peter Wexham, has urged anyone carrying a knife to throw it away.

He said: “They shouldn’t be carrying knives.

“The whole thing that’s happened is diabolical.

“As we understand people carry knives because they think everybody else is carrying knives.

“It’s so easy to get a knife because every kitchen has one.

“If it’s gang related, retaliation will just lead to more retaliation.

“It just goes backwards and forwards.

“It’s a waste of lives.”

Mr Wexham’s message to anyone carrying or knife or thinking of carrying a knife is clear: “Throw it away or hand it into the police.”

Councillor Carole Mulroney has warned anyone considering retaliating to think about the consequences of their actions.

She said: “If there is anybody who feels they need to retaliate I would ask them to take a step back and think about what the consequences might be.

“I would urge people to let police carry on with their investigation to deal with it.

“Police have a job to do and it’s not for private individuals to get involved.

“There’s no reason to carry a knife and if there is anyone carrying a knife because they feel threatened then I would urge them to go to the police.”

Anyone who was in the area around the seawall in Old Leigh between 5pm and 6pm on Friday and has information is asked to speak to officers in the area, or go to via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020121P63-PO1 Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers https://crimestoppers-uk.org