A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man died following an incident in Basildon town centre.

Officers were called to Market Pavement, near Iceland supermarket, shortly after 5.30pm today following reports that a man had been found with stab wounds. 

Ambulance crews attended and the man was airlifted to hospital where he sadly died.

A 22-year-old man from Basildon was arrested by officers near the scene shortly after and is currently being questioned by detectives. 

Anybody with any information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A police cordon has been set up at the scene.