Two men have been arrested over the "horrific" murder of a young woman who was stabbed to death near a horse sanctuary.
Police were called to reports of a row between a man and a woman near Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society, Basildon.
When officers arrived they found the 21-year-old victim who had several stab wounds.
She was taken to hospital by air ambulance but died hours later from her injuries.
Two men, aged 22 and 20, both from Basildon, have been arrested in connection with the murder.
A blade has been recovered from the scene and forensic teams are combing the nearby area.
Cordons are in place around part of the animal sanctuary, with local roads and Pitsea railway station also closed while the investigation is carried out.
Detective Chief Inspector Marina Ericson, from Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This is a tragic incident where a young woman has lost her life in horrific circumstances.
"We have arrested two men and our enquiries are continuing today but if anyone does have any information that they think may help us then I would urge them to get in touch with my team."
The woman, who was from the local area, had been stabbed several times, according to police.
"The first officers on the scene gave her CPR and she was taken to hospital by air ambulance but sadly she died of her injuries overnight," a spokesman for Essex Police said.
"A 22-year-old man from Basildon was arrested at the scene shortly after the incident and is still being questioned by detectives this morning on suspicion of murder.
"A knife was recovered nearby and cordons will remain in the area whilst further forensic enquiries are carried out.
"A second man, aged 20, and also from Basildon, was also arrested last night and is also being questioned in relation to the murder."
The stabbing took place in Pitsea Hall Lane at around 8.15pm on Friday.
Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.