Chelmsford: Family of Radwan Shakur have paid tribute to a “kind soul” as two charged with murder

Anyone with information is asked to contact us as soon as possible.

Two people have been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Chelmsford.

Officers were called to Central Park at around 7pm on Friday 12 June following reports of a serious assault.

A 21-year-old man was found with stab wounds.

Despite the best efforts of first responders, he died at the scene.

Essex Police can provisionally identify him as Radwan Shakur, from Wembley, London.

Officers continue to support his family while an investigation led by our Serious Crime Directorate remains ongoing.

Three teenagers aged 18, 17 and 14 were initially arrested later that evening at an address in Auckland Close, Chelmsford, on suspicion of murder.

Following questioning, the 18-year-old man has since been released on bail, while the 14-year-old boy has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

Further enquiries over the weekend identified another suspect.

This led officers to an address in Widford Chase, Chelmsford, on Sunday afternoon, where an 18-year-old man was arrested.

Overnight, the following were charged with murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession of a knife in a public place:

• Romeo Mfinda, 18, of Widford Chase, Chelmsford
• A 17-year-old boy from Chelmsford, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Both are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 June.

In a statement, Radwan’s family said:

"Radwan was a kind soul loved by his family and everyone that knew him.
“He had a smile that would brighten up a room.
“He had such hopes and dreams for his future.
“He was looking forward to going to university and the bright future ahead.
“Our hearts are truly broken. We will miss him."

Detective Inspector Lydia George, who is leading the investigation, said:

“This was a shocking incident in a busy public park at a time when many people would have been enjoying the area, and 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.
“I would ask that the public and media please respect their ongoing request for privacy as they continue to grieve.
“Since Friday evening, detectives and specialist officers have been working around the clock to establish what happened.
“We have made significant progress through CCTV enquiries, 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.
“A dedicated public portal remains open, and any piece of information, no matter how small, could be important.”

A murder investigation has been launched and three arrests made following a fatal assault in Central Park, Chelmsford.

We were called by the ambulance service to reports of an assault in the area at around 7pm on Friday 12 June.

Officers arrived within minutes and found a 21-year-old man with critical injuries.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have been informed and continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

Enquiries began immediately and quickly led officers to an address in Auckland Close, Chelmsford.

Arrests were made and search activity is continuing.

Three boys, aged 14, 17 and 18, all from Chelmsford, remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of murder.

Senior Investigating Officer DI Lydia George said:

“This is a deeply distressing incident.
“A family is grieving, and our thoughts remain firmly with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“I would call on the public and media to please respect their privacy as we continue the early stages of this investigation.
“We are determined to get them answers and build as clear a picture as possible of the circumstances surrounding what has happened.
“We have already made significant progress in our investigation, including making three arrests.
“We can confirm that we are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this incident, and there is no ongoing risk to the public.
“This took place in a busy public area, and while we have already received valuable assistance from the public, we continue to appeal for information. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial.
“I understand there is a strong desire for more information, but I would urge people not to speculate, as this can cause additional distress to those affected and may impact our investigation.
“Officers will remain in the Chelmsford area over the coming days to provide reassurance and support to the community.”