FAMILY and friends have bid farewell to the victim of a fatal stabbing.

The funeral of Lee Chapman was held at Basildon Crematorium yesterday.

Due to the social distancing restrictions, due to the coronavirus pandemic, only a handful of the 26-year-old’s family and close friends could attend.

However, to ensure all of Mr Chapman’s friends could be involved in the funeral, the family live streamed the ceremony on Facebook.

The live video was shared with his friends and family on the group “Lee Chapman Memories”.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Mr Chapman was attacked in Cromer Road, Southend, on March 6.

He suffered stab wounds and was taken to hospital, but sadly he was pronounced dead a short while later.

The party of 25 people travelled to the crematorium yesterday morning in a procession which included Mr Chapman’s coffin along with family and friends riding motorcycles and driving cars.

During the funeral many speeches were read out by family and friends.

Keeley Boissinot read out a speech written by Kiki Selfe, one of Lee's close friends.

She said: “Lee was an amazing friend, who loved his whole family and even the ones he called family.

“He was always there when you needed him.

“He loved to make people laugh and smile, from the rubbish jokes to the silly names.

“You will forever remain in our hearts.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Mr Chapman’s brother Craig Holmes said: “We may not of gotten on. We may not have been on the best terms but you were and always will be my brother.

“I will do everything I possibly can to make you proud of me. I miss you. I love you.

“Today is meant to be the day that it finally sinks in that you are gone. But I don’t think I could ever get my head around that.”

A 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both from Southend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged with Mr Chapman’s murder.

Sarah Wahid, 45, of Swanage Road, Southend, has also been charged with his murder. All three are due to appear in court again this month.

A14-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of murder has been rebailed until June 8.

The 44-year-old man has been released under investigation.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: