A man accused of raping a teenager 30 years ago was savagely beaten to death in the street just weeks before he was due to stand trial.

John Masser, 49, died on Tuesday after suffering a suspected brain haemorrhage following a brutal assault on Sunday evening.

Witnesses reported hearing cheers as the father-of-three was cornered when leaving a friend's house in Basildon, Essex.

John Masser, 49,(left) died on Tuesday after suffering a suspected brain haemorrhage following an assault on Sunday evening. Steven Keeble, right, has been charged with murder

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: 'There was a woman outside egging them on and there were children watching it all and screaming. It was awful.

'The police were there all night. The council and police need to look into the anti-social behaviour.'

Mr Masser appeared at Basildon Crown Court last month where he denied carrying out a sex attack on a girl under the age of 16 in 1986.

He was released on bail with the condition he did not have any contact with the alleged victim.

Mr Masser strongly denied the allegation and was set to stand trial on November 27.

A member of Mr Masser's family claimed he had asked for police protection prior to his death and had to be sectioned because of mental health problems.

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.

An Essex Police spokesman would not comment on claims Mr Masser had asked for protection.

The case has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Mr Masser appeared at Basildon Crown Court last month where he denied carrying out a sex attack on a girl under the age of 16 in 1986

Another resident said: 'It is a shock that something like this has happened but it is not a big surprise anymore.

'We have had fights happening in the road between people and it is a very different place to when we first moved here. If we knew it would be like this, we would not have moved.'

Friends and family of the nightclub doorman said the 'big teddy bear' would be sorely missed.

Mr Masser was also well known by Basildon's homeless community and had spent time living on the streets.

His neighbour and friend Sharon Wood said: 'John was a Chelsea fan through and through. He was the best neighbour you could ask for and he helped me a lot as I am poorly.

'I loved his dog Zimba and his girlfriend Lisa. I am totally devastated.'

Stacey Lockwood, from Basildon, added: 'He was a lovely man with a kind heart. He was a big teddy bear and will be sadly missed.'

Tara Palmer, from Canvey island, added: 'I knew John years ago. He was such a friendly, helpful guy.

Mr Masser died being attacked at the junction of Moss Drive and Moss Close on Sunday evening

Steven Keeble, 36, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court (pictured)

'He always looked out for me to get home safe after we'd been clubbing. Love and prayers for his family at this time.'

Former colleague Alice Ceckatt remembered him as a friendly man.

She said: 'He worked with us for a year or so. He was a quiet man, who kept himself to himself, but he was very nice.'

A relative, who asked not to be named, added: 'If you were homeless, he would take his shoes off and hand them straight to you.'

An IPCC spokesman said: 'We have received a referral from Essex police following the death of a man in Basildon. We will now be making an assessment to determine the level of our involvement.'

Steven Keeble, 36, from Basildon, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court today.