A murder trial has begun for the man accused of stabbing a 24-year-old father to death. 

Luke Eva, 24, appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today charged with murdering Michael Haastrup in Cressing Road, Braintree, on 16 April. 

The prosecution described how Mr Haastrup, of Southend, was stabbed in the heart and the left thigh after an altercation with Mr Eva.

The pair were thought to be in a long-running dispute over their involvement with drugs. 

Mr Eva denies the murder charge but has admitted possessing an offensive weapon.

Mr Haastrup died at 7.30am on April 17 at Broomfield Hospital after being stabbed with two separate knives at around 10.50pm the night before.

Witnesses heard him repeating "please tell my son I love him" as he collapsed in the street near to the Co-op.

Mr Eva ran from the scene but was arrested at an address in Loughton on April 17 after dumping his mobile phone and clothes at his girlfriend's house in Springfields, Braintree, the court heard.

Witnesses will take to the stand tomorrow and the trial is expected to continue for three weeks.