Killed man was to become father

Alan Reilly, from Silver End, Essex, worked as a plater

The funeral of a 25-year-old man who was stabbed to death is to take place next week, days after his girlfriend gave birth to their baby boy.

The funeral of Alan Reilly, of Silver End, near Witham, Essex, who died from stab wounds in Bocking on 22 April is taking place in Braintree on Friday.

A boy, aged 16, from Hackney, is due before Witham Youth Court, on Tuesday charged with Mr Reilly's murder.

Mr Reilly's girlfriend Rachel Murphy has given birth to Cameron.

Ms Murphy said: "Alan had been looking forward to becoming a father, but instead we are preparing for his funeral."

In a statement Mr Reilly's mother Kay, father Emmett, brother Shane, sister Leanne and Ms Murphy, said: "This has been a devastating time for us. Alan will be sadly missed.

"We will remember his smile and the way he made us laugh."

An 18-year-old from Hackney, an 18-year-old from east London, a 17-year-old from Braintree, and a 16-year-old from Hackney, are on bail pending further inquiries.