A 23-year-old man, identified as Samare Gerezgihir, has been named as the victim of a fatal stabbing in Canterbury city centre. Two men appeared in Margate Magistrates’ Court today, charged with his murder following the “particularly violent” incident.
The attack occurred on the evening of Thursday, October 10, when emergency services were called to a disturbance in Canterbury’s High Street, near St Margaret’s Street, just after 11:30 p.m. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Mr. Gerezgihir was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two men, Kemal Ibrahim, 24, of Long Acre Close, Canterbury, and Mohammed Hgar, 31, of no fixed address, were arrested and charged with murder. Both men also face charges of possession of a knife in a public place, while Ibrahim faces an additional charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
During their appearance at Margate Magistrates’ Court, both men only spoke to confirm their personal details. Prosecutor Dylan Bradshaw described the incident as “particularly violent” and confirmed the case would be sent to Maidstone Crown Court for further proceedings, including a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is set for November 11.
In the wake of the stabbing, two other men were arrested but have since been released on bail pending further investigation.
Canterbury city centre remained cordoned off throughout Friday as forensic teams worked at the scene, with significant police presence around St Margaret’s Street, High Street, Guildhall Street, and Stour Street. Business owners and locals expressed their shock at the heavy police presence and the tragic events.
Canterbury District Commander Chief Inspector Paul Stoner reassured the public that a dedicated team of officers and detectives are working to uncover the full details of the incident, and thanked residents and businesses for their cooperation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police at 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/172197/24 or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.
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