A YOUNG man was today remanded in custody by magitrates accused of murdering a 16-year-old schoolboy in a playing field.

Before the court was 18-year-old Lee Cowie, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne who was charged on Tuesday afternoon with killing Michael Chapman, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing, last Friday night.

The offence is alleged to have occurred on the upper playing field above Gore Court Cricket Club.

Prosecuting solicitor James Bilsland said: "A male allegedly came out of a wooded area and punched, kicked or stamped on the victim. The investigation is ongoing.

An application for bail by Cowie's solicitor, Tobias Burrough, was refused.

due to the nature of the evidence.

Cowie, wearing a white t-shirt, appeared in the dock flanked by two police officers. He remained silent throughout the proceeedings.

No plea was entered and the case was adjourned until July 3 when there will be a preliminary hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.

The murder has sent shock waves throughout Sittingbourne and a huge pile of tribute flowers are at the spot where Michael lost his life.

Kent Chief Constable Michael Fuller visited the scene on Monday where he said: "This tragic death has shocked all the local community and it appears to be an unprovoked attack."

A 16-year-old local boy, who was arrested on suspicion of the murder, has been bailed to Sittingbourne police station pending further enquiries.

Kent Police has set up a witness appeal line - 01795 419158. Alternatively people can ring Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.