A MAN has been charged with murder as part of the Essex Police investigation into the death of a man in Grays.

Officers were called to an incident at the tower block known as George Crooks House on New Road, Grays, shortly after 3.40am on Friday, 6 October.

At that stage, officers found a disturbance had taken place and a man had sustained a serious injury. 

Despite the efforts of medics, 19-year-old Ashton Rowbotham died at the scene.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on 6 October and was subsequently released on bail.

The Essex force has now received authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service to charge Connor Knight, 21 of New Road, Grays, with murder.

He was due to appear before Southend Magistrates' Court today (Thursday, 23 November).

Detective Chief inspector Greg Wood, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation.

He said: "This is of course a significant step forward in our investigation.

"The work of the investigation team does not stop here and we continue to work thoroughly and tirelessly to piece together the circumstances around Ashton's death.

"His family continue to be updated on our investigation and will continue to be supported throughout the judicial process."