Photo of James Gibbons and home where he was stabbed to death in Laindon
James Gibbons, 34, was stabbed death after going to the aid of a homeless man by his home (Picture: UKNIP/PA)

A boy, 16, has been charged with the murder of a dad-of-four who was attacked while trying to help a homeless man.

James Gibbons, 34, was stabbed to death in Iris Mews, Laindon, on Sunday, after he left a barbecue for his twin daughters’ birthday to come to the aid of a man outside.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics. A post-mortem examination confirmed he had died from stab wounds.

Six teenagers were arrested in connection with Mr Gibbons’ death. The boy, who has not been named, is the only one who has been charged, and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Another boy, 13, was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder and has since been released on bail until 14 May, while two girls, 15 and 16, were arrested earlier this week but have since been told they face no further charges.

A third boy, 14, was released on bail until 25 May, and a fourth boy, 13, has been released on bail in connection with an assault offence.

Undated handout photo issued by Essex Police of James Gibbons who was stabbed to death during an alleged altercation with a group of young people after he went to the aid of another man. Essex Police said the 34 year old was found stabbed in Iris Mews, Laindon, shortly after 9.30pm on Sunday. He died despite the efforts of paramedics. Issue date: Wednesday May 5, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE Laindon. Photo credit should read: Essex Police/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
The dad-of-four was stabbed to death in Iris Mews, Laindon, on Sunday (Picture: PA)
Police have launched a murder investigation after a man died in Laindon last night, Sunday 2 May. Officer were called with reports of a man having been attacked in Iris Mews, shortly after 9.30pm. We arrived and found a man had been stabbed. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical staff, the man, aged in his 30s, died. Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody. Police are progressing our enquiries and there will be a police presence in the area throughout the day. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage of what led to it or has information on it should submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm. You can also call us on 101 and cite incident 1292 of May 2. Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org.
He had gone outside to help a homeless man (Picture: UKNIP)

Mr Gibbons, a self-employed plumber who was known to friends as ‘Gibbo’, was described by his family as an ‘amazing father of four young children’ who was engaged to his partner of 11 years.

They said in a statement: ‘James was a hard-working family-orientated man, who ran his own bathroom fitting company and was looking forward to a positive future for him and his family.

‘This tragedy occurred after he had spent the day celebrating his two-year-old twin girls’ birthday at home and we are absolutely broken beyond belief at this pointless loss which has had a devastating effect on us all.

‘James was the kind of person who would always be prepared to help anyone less fortunate than himself, which is what he was doing on Sunday night.

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man died in Laindon last night, Sunday 2 May. Officer were called with reports of a man having been attacked in Iris Mews, shortly after 9.30pm. We arrived and found a man had been stabbed. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical staff, the man, aged in his 30s, died. Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody. Police are progressing our enquiries and there will be a police presence in the area throughout the day. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage of what led to it or has information on it should submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm. You can also call us on 101 and cite incident 1292 of May 2. Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org.
Six teenagers were arrested by the police in total (Picture: UKNIP)

‘As a family we are urging anyone to come forward with any information that may help the police as they investigate James’ death in the hope we can get justice.’

Officers are still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.