Two People have been released on bail after a man was stabbed to death in Canterbury city centre on Thursday night.

%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_0%% were called to a disturbance in High Street, near the junction with St Margaret’s Street, at 11:31pm. Emergency services attended, and a 23-year-old man was found with fatal injuries consistent with stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four men, all in their 20s, were arrested as part of the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_1%%. Two suspects remain in police custody for questioning, while the other two have been bailed until January 9 and 10.

As part of the ongoing investigation, searches have been conducted at properties in Herne Bay High Street and near Pine Tree Avenue in %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_2%%. Forensic officers and a heavy police presence have been working throughout the area.

A large cordon was placed across a significant portion of the %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_3%% centre, affecting businesses and pedestrians. The cordon spanned from St Margaret's Street to the High Street, and from Guildhall Street to Stour Street, with private %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_4%% crews attending the scene by mid-morning on Friday.

%%UKNIP_ANCHOR_5%% District Commander Chief Inspector Paul Stoner sought to reassure the public, saying, "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."

Local traders expressed their shock, with one shop owner commenting on the sudden appearance of a %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_6%% near their business.

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to officers is urged to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/172197/24, or to contact %%UKNIP_ANCHOR_7%% anonymously at 0800 555111.