THE man charged with the murder of Francis Nteta Nsiangangu in Brentwood appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning.

Wearing red, Clive Mundoma, 18, of High Street, Brentwood, appeared in the dock to confirm his name and address.

A plea is expected to be entered in the first few weeks of January.

Mr Nsiangangu, 31, was found collapsed in Tower Hill, near the junction with Sir Francis Way, on Saturday evening with five stab wounds – one was directly in his heart.

Police have said they are investigating all possible motives for the killing, including links to drug dealing, and are continuing to look for two other men, believed to have been in the area at the time of the murder.

Det Chief Insp Mark Hall, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are still investigating a motive for the attack, including possible links to drug-dealing. But we are keeping an open mind and want to hear from anyone who has any information about his movements that afternoon and evening.”

Mr Nsiangangu, also known as Casper, lived locally and was found at about 7.20pm on Saturday. Paramedics declared him dead just after 8pm.

In a statement, his mum, who hasn’t been named, said: “Francis was the eldest of three sons and was a calm and a good boy. He was not a member of any gangs and worked in the Brentwood area while at the same time doing a college course to learn painting and decorating.

“His father has always regarded him as being not just a son but also a very good friend, and they always helped each other.

“We are devastated by what has happened because he was always such a good boy and so hard-working. We will miss him so much.”

Searches for the weapon were carried out in an alleyway that runs between properties in Tower Hill and Weald Road.

The area was cordoned off and a number of adjoining roads remained closed over Saturday night and throughout Sunday while forensic investigations were carried out.

Paul Romer-Ormiston, 34, who lives on Weald Road, saw the investigation unfold.

He said: “It happened in front of our house. Forensics officers were sprawling across our garden and cars and gutters all day. Absolutely horrific.

“I love living around here, but it just shows that no matter how nice the area, there are always people with bad intentions. Tragic.”

Mr Hall added: “We especially want to talk to anyone who was in the area of Tower Hill, Weald Road and Sir Francis Way between 7pm and 7.15pm on Saturday.

“We are also asking residents in Tower Hill and Weald Road to check their front and rear gardens for a weapon, or any discarded items.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.