The mother of a 31-year-old man, who died after being stabbed multiple times in Brentwood on Saturday, has described him as a “calm and good boy” and said he was not involved in gangs.

A post-mortem revealed that Francis Nteta Nsiangangu, also known as Casper, died from a stab wound to the heart after an attack at the junction of Tower Hill and Sir Francis Way at around 7pm.

The victim, who was training to be a painter and decorator, also received four other stab wounds to his body.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Brentwood on Sunday and remains in custody on suspicion of murder. Police have until the early hours of tomorrow morning to charge him.

Mr Nsiangangu’s mother, speaking on behalf of the family, said: “Francis was the eldest of three sons and was a calm and a good boy. He was not a member of any gangs and worked in the Brentwood area while at the same time doing a college course to learn painting and decorating.

“His father has always regarded him as being not just a son but also a very good friend, and they always helped each other.

“We are devastated by what has happened because he was always such a good boy and so hard-working. We will miss him so much.

“His friends have sent us messages of sympathy and have described how they respected him not just as a close friend because he was more like a mentor to them.”

Police were still searching for the murder weapon yesterday and were examining an alleyway that runs between homes in Tower Hill and Weald Road.

Detectives are also trying to trace two other men who were believed to be in the area at the time of the murder.

Det Con Mark Hall said: “We are keeping an open mind and want to hear from anyone who has any information about his movements that afternoon and evening.

“We especially want to talk to anyone who was in the area of Tower Hill, Weald Road and Sir Francis Way between 7pm and 7.15pm on Saturday.

“We are also asking residents in Tower Hill and Weald Road to check their front and rear gardens for a weapon or any other discarded items.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.