Chelmsford: Updated: Tribute paid to victim as murder investigation continues (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Chelmsford: Updated: Tribute paid to victim as murder investigation continues

A grieving family has paid tribute to a man who was found dead in Chelmsford.

Chelmsford: Updated: Tribute paid to victim as murder investigation continues

Detectives launched a murder enquiry after the body of  Anton Jardin, of Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, was found dead in the back garden of a house off the A414, London Road, shortly after midnight, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The house where the 39-year-old was discovered is said to be opposite Hylands Park, which was staging V Festival at the time.

A post mortem examination gave a preliminary result that Mr Jardin died of head injuries.

A statement released on behalf of his family said: "Anton was our loving and caring son, brother and uncle.

"He was a talented artist and graphic designer, full of enthusiasm for life.

"He loved fitness and sport, including running the London Marathon in 2010 in aid of a local children's hospice.

"He enjoyed travelling, especially a trip to Australia."

It continued: "We are devastated at losing him, words cannot express our loss.

"There is a hole in our lives which cannot be filled."

Ten men, aged between 23 and 35, and all from Essex, remain in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate want to speak to everyone who attended what they believe was a private party at the house during the late hours of Saturday night and early hours of Sunday morning.

Anyone with any information is asked to urgently contact Essex Police on 101 and leave their contact details.