Floral tributes at Marine Gardens, Margate, near where Richard Collier was attacked and later died

Words and picture by Peter Barnett

Floral tributes line seafront garden railings at Margate just yards from where a 25-year-old man was fatally attacked.

Known locally as Rich Collier, police say he was outside the Kabuki bar in Marine Terrace after a night out with friends.

He was seriously assaulted in what is thought to have been an unprovoked attack at 2am on Saturday.

A 19-year-old man attended Margate police station yesterday, where he was arrested for questioning on suspicion of murder.

There had been no further developments at the time of going to press.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Vinson has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "We know there are still further witnesses out there, as there were around 30 people outside the bar at the time who potentially saw what happened and I urge them to contact police as a matter of urgency."

Along with the flowers tied to Marine Gardens railings are personal messages, including one from Chelsea, who wrote: "You helped me get where I am now and I will make you proud and make a CD dedicated to you", while Mel adds, "Rich, you were a good man".

On social networking sites one writer says: "I remember June 25, 2009. I was with you and all our friends in Canterbury, when news broke that Michael Jackson was dead.

"I remember tears in your eyes as we watched the news together. You were gutted as you had bought tickets to watch him in concert later that year.

"How tragic that two years on to the day we have the same thoughts for you. I keep looking at my phone and reading texts from you, that were just minutes before you were taken.

"Wish I could have said goodbye mate. I'm gutted. But know we will meet again one day, and I will do everything possible to make sure justice is done. Love you mate. My thoughts are with you and you family."

Did you know the victim? E-mail your tributes tomultimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 01634 227 834.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 690 690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.