A man who was killed during a double stabbing at a pub has been identified.

Police were called to the Cricketers Inn pub in Meopham just before 9.15pm on Saturday following reports a man had been assaulted.

They attended with paramedics where they found two men had been stabbed.

Craig Allen, 35, from Marden, died at the scene and the other, aged 50, from Meopham, was taken to a London hospital but has since been discharged.

He was later arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody as inquiries continue.

Several hours after the incident officers arrested a second man, Miguel Batista, 29, of no fixed address, who is alleged to have attacked the 50-year-old.

He has since been charged with attempted murder and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court today.

The men involved are all believed to be known to each another and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are continuing to make inquiries.

Villagers have since spoken of their shock as they come to terms with what happened.

Doug Aldous, who lives close to Meopham Green, said: “We were disturbed by the police who wanted to review our CCTV.

“I woke up to find all the green was cordoned off and there was a massive police presence and a helicopter above. I came to the front and saw all the blue flashing lights everywhere.

“It is a one off. You do not expect a murder 100 yards from where you live. I have grown up around here and lived here for four years, you do not get this type of stuff here.

“It is quiet, it is peaceful, it is nice place to live. You do not get much bother.”

Neighbouring resident Gary added: “It is quiet really. It’s a touristy pub, it has a good reputation and overlooks the green. It is quite unexpected.”

Meopham councillors Ejaz Aslam, Frank Wardle, Denise Tirran and Gary Harding released a joint statement saying: "The news is harrowing and your ward councillors join the community in offering our condolences to the family of the deceased and our thoughts to the man recovering in hospital. We extend our thoughts to anyone who had to witness yesterday's events.

"Since the incident took place, as your ward councillors we have been briefed by the police and have been assured that they believe this to be an isolated incident with no ongoing risk to the public.

"We are grateful for the speedy and professional response of Kent Police and the emergency services and ask the community to do everything they can to support them with their investigations.

"The community is understandably in a state of shock and sadness following this tragic incident and we wanted to provide you with the reassurance that we will continue to seek updates from the police and that we are here to support our community through this."

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information is urged to call police on 101, quoting reference 05-1226.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on its website.