Michael Haastrup stab death: Family hold Essex vigil
The family of a 24-year-old man who died in a stabbing in Essex have held a vigil at the scene.
Michael Haastrup of Southend died on 17 April after being stabbed at a flat on Cressing Road, Braintree.
His father Lawrence said it was an opportunity for people to say goodbye to him.
A 24-year-old man is due to appear in court next month charged with murdering Mr Haastrup who became a father in December for the first time.
The family said around 40 people took part.
Lawrence Haastrup said: "Michael is a great loss to me and the entire family and for those people who cannot attend the funeral, this is the opportunity to say goodbye.
"Everybody who knew Michael knew him as a very quiet and accommodating person and for him to just go like that is something we are trying to cope with, but it hasn't been easy.
"Michael cannot be replaced, but his lineage just doesn't go away like that - for him to leave a son behind is a good consolation."