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EXCLUSIVE: Mourners pack Epping Forest car park where Stephen Morrisson was fatally stabbed last wee
SCORES of mourners packed a forest car park tonight to pay tribute to a man who is believed to have been fatally stabbed there a week ago.
Friends and relatives of Stephen Morrisson, 30, held balloons at the car park off Epping New Road, between the Robin Hood and Wake arms roundabouts in Epping Forest from about 8pm.
Stephen, known as Stevo and Zerols, was found with stab wounds at the petrol station in Epping Road, near the Wakes Arms Roundabout, just before 8pm a week ago today on Tuesday, June 23.
He later died in hospital.
GRIEF: A mourner and balloons in the car park tonight with the Essex Police appeal visible
Mourners at the car park tonight included his brother rapper Jon Morrission, aka Morrisson.
His other brother is Joey Morrisson, who once dated ex-TOWIE star Lauren Goodger.
Essex Police has put up signs at the car park asking for help from the public to solve the murder.
Although the locations of the service station, where he was found injured, and the car park are in Essex, the Met Police initially took over the investigation, amid the belief that he was attacked over the border in Greater London.
However, Essex Police has now resumed control as it is now believed the attack happened at the car park.
Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen, who is leading on the investigation, said: “First and foremost my condolences go to the victim’s family and friends, at what is a very sad and difficult time for them.
TOWIE: Lauren Goodger dated Stephen's brother Joey while he was in prison (Instagram/Lauren Goodger)
“We have been working with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service to establish what happened to the victim that evening.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 3pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday, 23 June and saw or heard any suspicious or unusual behaviour.
“We are particularly interested in anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage.
“It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant you think your information is, it could be vital to our investigation.”
Stephen was jailed in 2012 for his involvement in a burglary of a huge cannabis factory in a warehouse in South Woodham Ferrers, during which a man fell to his death.
The motive for Stephen's murder is still unclear with no arrests made.
TRIBUTE: Flowers, pictures and messages have been left at the service station
Friends of Stephen's have also made a makeshift shrine to him at the service station with several flowers, photographs and handwritten messages.
RESPECT: Three men visiting the tribute on Monday evening
Three men were seen there on Monday night taking pictures of themselves at the memorial, with one stood in the middle of the busy road to get the best shot.
With no bars and pubs open during lockdown, car parks in the forest have become a meeting place for young people in cars.
PACKED: Youngsters congregating in cars at High Beech this evening
This evening scores of cars were parked at High Beech, just around a mile from the murder scene, with people seen drinking alcohol, chatting and smoking cannabis.
Anyone with information is asked to contact our Major Crime Team on 101 quoting crime reference 1191 of 23 June or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.
Information can also be given anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
All other pictures by Jon Austin.