THE mother of a teenager who was stabbed to death in Rettendon has paid tribute to her "darling boy".

Denis Petkov, 19, died after he suffered a single stab wound to the neck in East Hanningfield Road, on Saturday, March 11.

Denis’ mother, Diana Petkova, said: "Denis was a promising footballer and ambitious sportsman who had attended The International Sport Academy in Sofia.

"He was a wonderful, good and happy boy who always had a smile on his face.

"He was loved by everyone and was the heart and soul of his group of friends.

"The whole community is grieving at the moment.

"Denis was my darling boy who filled me with pride and I am unable to describe how much I miss him.”

A man has appeared in court accused of the murder of the Bulgarian teenager.

Mihal Dobrev, 37, of East Hanningfield Road, Rettendon Common – where the alleged killing took place - has been charged with murder. He will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, May 12.

An inquest opening heard Denis died from a single stab wound to the neck in the attack.

Paramedics were called to the property after reports of a disturbance shortly before midnight. Despite their best efforts, Denis died at the scene.