Pic: Elliot Mercer/Tilbury FC
TILBURY have paid tribute to former player Kevin Malthouse who was murdered in the early hours of Saturday.
Police found the 24-year-old in Blackshots Lane, Grays, at around 00:35 BST. He had been stabbed in the chest and sadly died at the scene.
Officers had responded to a call of men fighting and they also found three others with “life-threatening injuries”, according to police. Three men, aged 18, 21 and 22 have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Malthouse represented the Dockers between 2011 and 2014 but only made 23 appearances due to a number of injuries.
The Bostik North side were in shock after hearing the tragic news and described their former midfielder as a “lovely lad”.
A Tilbury statement read: “The club wish to express there condolences following the sad news today of the passing of former midfielder Kevin Malthouse.
“Kevin aged 24, represented the club between 2011 and 2014 making 23 appearances. Kevin suffered a number of injuries during this time, that limited his action on the pitch.
“On behalf of the players, officials and supporters, the club send there condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Dockers boss Gary Henty, who played with Malthouse, said: “I woke up to a message with the news and I was just totally shocked and devastated.
“He was such a lovely lad, he would pretty much do anything for you and wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
An online fundraising page has been started for Kevin’s wife Jodie and baby son Ellis, who requires 24 hour care due to a disability. So far, almost £6,000 has been raised.
