A family man was stabbed to death when he interrupted his daughter’s birthday barbecue to help a neighbour attacked by youths in a noise row.
James Gibbons, a plumber in his 30s and known locally as Gibbo, was stabbed on an estate that locals call ‘Alcatraz’ in Laindon, Essex, at around 9.30pm on Sunday.
Mr Gibbons was found with stab wounds and died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics.
Neighbours say Mr Gibbons was enjoying a barbecue for his daughter’s birthday when tragedy struck on the estate nicknamed after the famous American prison.
It is thought Mr Gibbons went outside to help the neighbour who had told youths to be quiet when he was stabbed to death.
Locals have been shocked by the killing and say a gang of youths had been roaming the estate and drinking in the lead up to the tragedy.
One man who did not want to be named said: ‘A man came out and told youths to be quiet and someone came out to back him up and he was the one who got killed.
‘I heard he was having a barbecue for his daughter’s birthday, it is awful.’
Police have since arrested three boys and two girls aged between 13 and 16 in connection with the killing.
James Gibbons (pictured with his family), known locally as Gibbo, was stabbed on an estate that locals call ‘Alcatraz’ in Laindon, Essex, at around 9.30pm on Sunday
Flowers paying tribute to ‘Gibbo’ have been left outside a property where locals say the stabbing happened.
It is thought the victim was a father of several children and he had proudly posted loving family photos on his Facebook page which feature his partner and four young children.
The emotional tributes state: ‘Gibbo, you really was one in a million. I can’t believe you are gone I will cherish the memories… you have been taken from us far too soon, but may you rest in eternal peace.
Police have since arrested three boys and two girls aged between 13 and 16 in connection with the killing
‘Love ya Gibbo.’ Another states: ‘Where to start m8, so wounded I won’t get to share another laugh with you.
‘U really were one of the kindest + most lovely persons I’ve ever met.
‘U will be sadly missed but forever in our hearts + minds. Going to miss you so much on our nights out.’
Mr Gibbons was found in Iris Mews with stab wounds and died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics
Another local Michaela Hales, 38, was left shocked by the killing. The mum of five said: ‘I can’t believe how young the kids are, we are thinking of moving out and renting privately now.
‘You don’t want this on your doorstep, I can’t live here now. The kids are 13 and 14 years old it is just shocking.’
Another neighbour said: ‘I’m just really sorry for the family.
‘He was very nice and the family are amazing. He was having a BBQ for his daughter’s birthday, it is just so sad.’
The killing unfolded on the estate which is known as Alcatraz, a famous American prison – due to its fortress-like appearance.
Pictured: Police at the scene in Iris Mews in Laindon, Essex
Speaking to BBC Essex, detective chief inspector Stephen Jennings said: ‘It’s early stages to piece together exactly what’s happened and why.
‘We believe the victim was coming to the aid of another man who was in the area and was attacked by one or more of the youths which appears to have cost him his life.
‘We’re really keen to hear from anyone that was in that area, may have seen something happen, or even just heard in the local area what could have taken place and who could have been involved.’
In a later statement he added: ‘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.
Police have since arrested three boys and two girls in connection with the killing. Pictured: Police at the scene
The victim was found in Iris Mews with stab wounds and died at the scene despite efforts by paramedics. Pictured: Police at the scene
‘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.’
A resident of the estate, who didn’t want to be named, told the Echo: ‘It’s not safe.
‘I am not going out anymore, it’s not safe for the children anymore. Normally you hear a lot through the windows, but we didn’t even hear screaming.
‘A stabbing or crime is just normal down here. It used to be a lovely area.’
Another resident said: ‘It’s disgusting. You can’t walk around now without looking around and over both shoulders.’
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.