STEPHEN MORRISSON MURDER: Family tribute and more arrests as investigation gathers pace

THE family of a man fatally stabbed in an Epping Forest car park have paid tribute to him as more arrests have been made in connection with the murder.

Stephen Morrisson, 30, was described as "larger than life itself" by his relatives.

A family statement said: "Our Stevo, he was larger than life itself.

"He was taken too early and so tragically and our lives will never be the same again. "He leaves such a big empty hole that can never be filled. "We ask that you please respect our privacy at what is a very difficult time for us all."

Stephen, from Plaistow in East London whose brother is rapper Jon Morrisson - aka "Morrisson" - died on Tuesday, June 23, after he was stabbed in a car park between the Robin Hood and Wakes Arms roundabouts on Epping New Road.

He was found badly injured at the service station near the Wake Arms.

Stephen was taken to hospital but, sadly, later died.

A forensic post-mortem examination found that he had suffered a stab wound.

A 34-year-old man became the latest person to be arrested in connection with the murder on Friday.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder.

TRIBUTE: Flowers, messages and pictures have been left at a memorial at the service station (Jon Austin)

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Following the stop of a vehicle in Hackney at 4pm yesterday afternoon, Friday 3 July, a 34-year-old man was arrested by our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police.

"The man, from Hackney, was arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of cannabis. He has since been transferred into our custody." Two other people, a man and a woman, were arrested in connection with the investigation in the early hours of Friday morning.

A 30-year-old man from London was arrested in connection with the murder earlier this week.

All three were released on bail until later this month.

Detectives still want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Epping New Road between 3pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday 23 June and saw or heard any suspicious or unusual behaviour, along with anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact our Major Crime Team through our major incident public reporting site: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020120P45-PO1 Alternatively you can call us on 101 quoting crime reference 1191 of 23 June or independent charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.