Police release update following fatal stabbing of 23-year old man in Canterbury

canterbury
Kent Police are appealing for anyone one with information to get in touch. Credit: ITV News Meridian

Police say two men have been released on bail following a fatal stabbing in Canterbury.

They were among four men - all in their 20s - arrested after the death of a 23-year old man on Thursday evening.

Emergency services were called to a disturbance on the city's High Street, near the junction with St Margaret's Street, on Thursday 10 October, at around 11:30pm.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other suspects remain in police custody being questioned, while the two men who have been released have been bailed until 9th and 10th January 2025.

Searches were carried out at properties in Herne Bay High Street and near Pine Tree Avenue in Canterbury as part of ongoing enquiries.

Officers are working to reduce the size of a cordon which was put in place in Canterbury High Street and St Margaret's Street overnight.

Forensic teams were pictured at the scene on Friday, 11 October. Credit: ITV News Meridian

Canterbury District Commander Chief Inspector Paul Stoner said: "We understand that this incident and its location will have caused concern in the community and I would like to reassure people that we have a large team of officers and detectives working to establish the full circumstances.

"I thank residents and businesses for their understanding and assistance as we continue our enquiries in the city centre.

"We are working to reduce the impact on local firms wherever possible, whilst ensuring we collect the best possible evidence as part of our investigation."

Very Rev David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, said: "There's nothing normal about being a young man out for an evening and ending up dead. That is not normal and none of us can allow it to become normal.

"It's really important on a day like today that we remember this young person who has lost their life, their family, their friends, and all the circles of relationship that will be so deeply impacted by this."

  • Rosie Duffield MP, Canterbury, Independent


Rosie Duffield MP, Canterbury, Independent, said: "This is such an unusual crime for our area, I mean I've had so many messages from my family, from my friends, because it is so rare.

"I think Canterbury is one of the most covered places for CCTV.

"I think as much as we try to mitigate these things, occasionally horrors like this do happen and it's awful but I know that the police were on to it straight away.

"I got a message first thing this morning and I know they'll do their best."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01303 289600 quoting reference 46/172197/24.

Alternatively, charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online or on 0800 555 111.


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