Two teenagers charged over fatal park stabbing

Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a man in a city centre park.

Essex Police was called to Central Park in Chelmsford at about 19:00 BST on Friday where they found Radwan Shakur, 21, with stab wounds. He died at the scene.

The force said Romeo Mfinda, 18, of Widford Chase, Chelmsford, had been charged with three offences including murder, alongside a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named because of his age.

Both defendants have appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court where their cases were sent to the city's crown court due to the serious nature of the charges.

Family members of Shakur, who was from Wembley, north-west London, described him as a "kind soul loved by his family and everyone that knew him" who "had such hopes and dreams for his future".

"He was looking forward to going to university and the bright future ahead," they added.

"Our hearts are truly broken. We will miss him."

When he appeared in court earlier, the 17-year-old boy wore a grey tracksuit and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He was remanded in custody ahead of his appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.

Mfinda, also wearing a grey tracksuit, appeared at the same court a short time later where the three charges were read out to him before the case was referred to the city's crown court.

Detectives said both Mfinda and the 17-year-old had been charged with three offences; murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession of a knife in a public place.

Lead investigator Det Insp Lydia George described Friday's events as "a shocking incident in a busy public park at a time when many people would have been enjoying the area," adding: "We know it has caused significant concern within the Chelmsford community."

"Our thoughts remain with Radwan's family, who we continue to support at this incredibly difficult time," she said.

"Since Friday evening, detectives and specialist officers have been working around the clock to establish what happened.

"We have made significant progress through CCTV inquiries, speaking to witnesses and carrying out forensic work, which has led to these charges.

"However, our investigation remains ongoing and we continue to urge anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us."

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