Police have named two men they would like to speak to following the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old dad in the early hours of Good Friday.
Ashton Harrington, 19, died after following the incident in Belmont Road, Whitstable, on April 3, where officers attended just after 2am.
Ashton Harrington died in Belmont Road in Whitstable after being stabbed to death. Picture: Harrington family
An air ambulance landed on nearby Westmeads Recreation Ground at about 3 am, but the dad-of-one died at the scene.
It is understood he was known to the offenders.
Forensics officers set up a red and white tent in the middle of the road, next to the Windsor House flats block.
A cordon was in place at the junction with Canterbury Road at one end of Belmont Road and the mini-roundabout at Old Bridge Road at the other.
Following an extensive murder investigation, officers have provided an update and named two men they believe could help with inquiries.
From left, Kieron Barnes and Tobias Agbaje. Picture: Kent Police
Detectives would like to locate Tobias Agbaje and Kieron Barnes, as they may have information which could assist their investigation.
They are believed to have links to Herne Bay, Whitstable, Canterbury, Sittingbourne, Ramsgate and London.
If you know of their whereabouts, or if they are seen, please immediately call Kent Police on 999 quoting 46/52649/26.
As part of the investigation, officers executed a warrant in Clarendon Street, Herne Bay, on Saturday at about 8.30pm.
Police were seen in Clarendon Street, Herne Bay, on Friday (April 3) evening
Witnesses said there were three police vans, eight police cars, undercover cars, and a dog unit.
One told KentOnline: ”They blocked the road and police were shouting and armed police went to the door, all standing with their guns and dogs.”
Ashton’s heartbroken family have set up a fundraiser to help support the Safer Kent charity, which works to help tackle and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the county’s communities.
Bayley Harrington says the campaign is being run in Ashton’s memory, who she says was “so loved” by his family.
She said: “On behalf of Ashton’s family, it breaks our hearts to be writing this message.
“We lost a father, son, family member and friend to knife crime.
“No family should have to feel this pain. No mother or father should have to get that call or the knock at the door to tell them their child isn’t coming home.
A red and white forensics tent was set up in Belmont Road in Whitstable. Picture: Joe Crossley
“You never think it will happen to you, ‘til it does. One choice has countless consequences and destroys so many lives.
“In memory of Ashton, we would like to raise money to help make Kent safe again. We love you Ashton, you are so loved.”
Proceeds from the fundraising page on GoFundMe are set to be donated to Safer Kent.
The charity says it is “dedicated to creating a better environment for everyone in Kent” and exists in order to “reduce crime, and improve community safety”.
It works with various projects that combat issues including drugs, alcohol, anti-social behaviour, personal safety, property crime, hate crime, domestic violence and road safety.
Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury, said her thoughts are “with the friends and family of the young victim”.
She added: “This is horrible news. This is especially shocking as we thankfully have very few incidents of serious or violent crime locally.
Young dad Ashton Harrington died in Belmont Road in Whitstable after being stabbed. Picture: Harrington family
“If you think you may know anything at all, please contact Kent Police in Canterbury.”
Anyone with information which could assist officers should call 01843 222289, quoting reference 03-0102.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.