“His passing came far too soon for a young man who just wanted to make people’s lives better.”

Those are the words of a Harwich mother whose son Michael Beckwith, 44, died after being struck with what is believed to be a metal object at the weekend.

Mr Beckwith suffered serious head injuries in the assault, which happened in Barrack Lane at around 10pm.

He was rushed to hospital, where he died on Tuesday. A murder investigation has since been launched.

Last night his mother Iris Beckwith said: “Michael was born in Barking Hospital in 1971 and grew up in the East Ham area of London.

“Michael and myself moved to Essex in 2003 following the early death of his father and sister.

“At first, Michael was employed at a poultry factory in Witham before finding employment at a residential home in Weeley for people with mental health illnesses.

“He enjoyed what he did and I believe he’d found his vocation in making people’s lives better.”

A keen fisherman and member of Harwich Angling Club, Mr Beckwith also liked listening to Elvis Presley and loved classic cars.

His mother added: “Michael was only 44 when he passed away. He will be very much missed by me and all who knew him.”

Last night Geoff Smith, a town councillor who looks after the Barrack Lane area, said Harwich was “in shock” following the incident.

“It’s been a total shock to a lot of people,” said Geoff Smith. “I heard about it this morning and it’s very rare for something like this to happen in Harwich.”

Detectives are continuing to make enquiries in the area.

A 21-year-old woman from the Clacton area and a 17-year-old boy from Harwich were arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday.

A 27-year-old man from Harwich was arrested yesterday, on suspicion of murder.

They are currently in custody for questioning.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “I am keen to speak to witnesses who saw what happened or to anyone who was walking in the Barrack Lane area and saw anybody acting suspiciously around the time of the incident.

“I’d ask anyone with information to please contact us, or they can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously if they do not want to give their name.”

Call Essex Police on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk with information.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.