Two men have been charged with murder after a man was stabbed to death in Canterbury city centre.

A large police cordon was put in place after officers were called to a disturbance in High Street, near the junction with St Margaret's Street, just after 11.30pm on Thursday.

Emergency services attended and a 23-year-old man was found with injuries consistent with stab wounds. He died at the scene.

Now, Kemal Ibrahim, 24, of Long Acre Close, Canterbury, and Mohammed Hgar, 31, of no fixed address, have been charged with murder and possession of a blade in a public place.

Mr Ibrahim was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

They are both due to appear before Margate Magistrates' Court today.

Two other men who were arrested in connection with the incident have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

In the aftermath of the stabbing. searches were carried out at properties in Herne Bay High Street and near Pine Tree Avenue, Canterbury, as part of ongoing enquiries.

There was a heavy police presence in the city centre throughout Friday, with forensics officers among those working at the scene.

A large part of the high street was inaccessible, with police guarding cordons in St Margaret’s Street, along the High Street, down Guildhall Street and in Stour Street behind the Sainsbury’s Local store.

The gates from the Marlowe Arcade leading to St Margaret’s Street were also locked, while a private ambulance could be seen leaving at about 10.45am.

Traders told of their shock after arriving to work a stone’s throw from the crime scene on Friday morning.

Tamas Toth, owner of the Gourmet Sausage and Burger Company, said: “I arrived at 8.15am and the police were here. About 10 officers I would say, and four police cars at least.

“At 8.30am a private ambulance came.

“There's quite a big cordon, people have to go all the was round to get to us.

“It is very very sad what has happened.”

One shop owner who asked to remain anonymous said: “It was a bit of a shock to see all the police here when I came in.

"We closed about 8pm and didn't hear anything."

Canterbury District Commander Chief Inspector Paul Stoner said at the time: “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.”

Anyone who has information and has yet to speak to officers is urged to call police on 01303 289600 quoting reference 46/172197/24.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete their online form on their website.