Teenager charged with murder of two boys who were killed in 'disturbance'

A teenager has been charged with the murder of two boys following a disturbance in Essex early on Sunday morning.

The Mirror previously reported the victims were identified locally as Charlie Preston and Frankie Gater.

Police said they were investigating the theory that a prior "disturbance" in another part of the town was linked to the deadly altercation on Regency Court.

Det Supt Stephen Jennings, of Essex Police, said: "One of the possibilities...there was a precursor incident that took place.

"We are exploring that. As I said, we do think the two groups did know each other."

Charlie's mum Katie Preston was said to be "broken" by the loss of her teenage son.

Essex Police said Frankie Watson, 19, of Baker Street, Orsett, has been remanded to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Two men - a 20-year-old from Grays and a 21-year-old from South Ockendon - who were arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail to November 19, and a 40-year-old man from Brentwood has been released under investigation.

Police were called to Regency Court in Brentwood at around 1.30am on Sunday.

Two teenagers later died, while a third person was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A close friend of the 37-year-old mum told the MailOnline she'd said: "I am broken. I don't know how I am going to be able to deal with this. I have lost my first-born child."

The murders have rocked the town of Brentwood, with mourners heading to a makeshift memorial to pay their respects on Monday.

People laid flowers, tied balloons to a road sign and even left a bottle of soft drink and chocolate bars.

Many of the messages have been made out to 'Charlie' and 'Frankie'.

'Frank', 'Champ' and 'F+C' have also been spelled out in candles.

One griever said of Charlie: "He was really happy and bubbly. He was a really good kid."

A tribute posted to Frankie online said: "Sleep tight handsome...can't believe I'm actually writing this and ur name in the same sentence, heartbroken is an understatement!

"All the pain that has now been left behind cos of these evil selfish people."

One of Frankie's relatives also took to Instagram and paid tribute to her "one of a kind" cousin.

"Our whole family love you Frankie Gater. Rest in perfect paradise.

"You always made me laugh and I'd be so excited to see your face."

Local MP Alex Burghart told the BBC: "We don't really have too many events like this in our town so to lose two 16-year-olds so needlessly and senselessly... has left us all very upset."

She said: "Words can’t put into perspective how much my heart has broken.

"It’s physically causing me pain I’ve lost my cousin. I can’t believe you're gone it seems like I’m lost in a nightmare.