Friends of a man stabbed to death in a “particularly violent” high street attack say he “always wore an infectious smile”.

Samare Gerezgihir, known as Sammy and Jamil, was found injured in Canterbury city centre after police were called to the “horrible and very rare” disturbance.

A massive emergency response descended on the junction with St Margaret’s Street shortly after 11.30pm last Thursday, but the 23-year-old died at the scene.

A large police cordon was laid down while officers and forensics worked around the clock to establish the facts of the case.

Once police tape was lifted, floral tributes appeared near the Royal East Kent Yeomanry Memorial, close to the former Nasons building.

After four men were arrested before 6am on Friday, a duo appeared in court on Monday charged with murder, while another two were released on bail.

With the tragic events sending shockwaves throughout the community, Mr Gerezgihir’s loved ones gave emotional tributes to the former pupil at Hartsdown Academy in Margate.

His partner of three years Shannon Rossiter said: “I love you so much my little sleeping angel.

“I love you with all my heart and soul.

“Words cannot explain how broken I am without you.

“The bond we had - everything made me feel safe, waking up to your jokes every morning and I never had a miserable day.”

David Silman, a former head of English as an Additional Language at Hartsdown, says he is “lost for words at the cruelty of this world” and wanted to “provide the tribute he deserves”.

He also describes Mr Gerezgihir as “one of the bravest people I ever had the fortune of meeting”.

“He was forced to flee his hellish homeland in Eritrea as a child and eventually made his way to the UK to better his life,” he adds.

“I always had the greatest sympathy for his predicament and the utmost respect for how he fought to turn around his life at such an early age.

“Whilst at Hartsdown Academy, he always wore an infectious smile, which portrayed just how grateful and happy he was to be in his new home.

“He made friends with children of all nationalities and of all religions and cultures.

“He was not only popular with his peers but also his teachers because of how polite and kind he was.”

Mr Silman recalled his fondest memories of Mr Gerezgihir, with whom he would banter over Arsenal and Spurs rivalry.

“He was a passionate Arsenal fan and would get great enjoyment poking fun at me whenever Spurs lost.

“Sometimes he would be left laughing in stitches while I lay forlorn at my desk.

“You will live on in my memory, Sammy, and the memories of the many friends that you made.”

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

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 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.

Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield tweeted on Friday: “A horrible and very rare incident last night in Canterbury.

“Please do contact Kent Police if you have any information you think may help their investigation.”

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.”

Kemal Ibrahim, 24, of Long Acre Close, Canterbury, and Mohammed Hgar, 31, of no fixed address, were arrested following the stabbing.

They were later both charged with murder as well as possession of a knife in a public place.

Ibrahim was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Both appeared before Margate Magistrates' Court on Monday morning and only spoke to confirm their names, ages and addresses.

Dylan Bradshaw, prosecuting, told the bench the cases had to be sent to the crown court to be dealt with.

He added: “The incident occurred in Canterbury city centre and resulted in the death of an individual.

“We say all charges are connected and it was a particularly violent incident and should be sent to the crown court.

“They will next appear at the crown court for bail to be considered.”

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

The cases against Hgar and Ibrahim were sent to Maidstone Crown Court to be dealt with. Both were remanded in custody until a bail application hearing on Wednesday.

A date for a preliminary hearing was also set for November 11.

Ch Insp Paul Stoner said: “We understand this incident and its location will have caused concern in the community and I would like to reassure people 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 inquiries 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 about the incident 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.