Extra police in Maidstone after Andre Bent stabbed to death in Jubilee Square
Published: 15:59, 30 August 2019
Updated: 17:31, 30 August 2019
Extra police patrols and knife detectors will be in Maidstone this weekend, a week after a man was stabbed to death.
Kent Police's decision to put extra teams on the streets comes after the death of Andre Bent in the High Street during the early hours of Sunday, August 25.
The 21-year-old was stabbed shortly after a performance by London rapper MoStack, real name Montell Daley, at the Gallery nightclub.
Ch Insp Ray Quiller said: "While we do not have any information to suggest there may be further incidents this weekend, we have extra visible patrols working from Friday throughout the weekend to meet and greet visitors to the town centre and offer them some reassurance.
"They will also continue our work with businesses and licence-holders to keep Maidstone safe for everyone to enjoy.
"The use of knife arches plus stop and search powers, where appropriate, should send a clear message to those who believe it is acceptable to bring violence to our town, that they can expect to be brought to justice.’
Officers will also hand out leaflets appealing for information regarding Mr Bent's death.
Ch Insp Quiller said: "Inquiries continue into Andre’s death and detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate would like to hear from anyone with information that may assist their investigation who has not yet contacted the police.
"Officers will be out talking to people this weekend and we want members of the public to come and speak to them. In particular, we want to hear from anyone who has concerns or who may information from last weekend’s events which may be useful to the investigation.
"This includes anybody with mobile phone footage from the town centre on the night of the murder. They may not think it is relevant to the investigation but I would urge them to get in contact and let us judge whether or not it is useful."
The news comes as Gallery's owners announced they are to sell the club after last weekend's stabbing.
A police search and marine unit were seen searching the River Len on Wednesday, August 28, in search of clues.
Four member's of MoStack's entourage have appeared in court after the brawl.
Yussef Abdi Aweys, 19, Darien Thompson-Cox, 21, Mohamed Gelani, previously referred to as Mohamed Abdurahman by police, 23, and Nathaniel Small, 22, all appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 27.
Andre Bent was stabbed to death last weekend
All four were charged with violent disorder, having initially been arrested on suspicion of murder, after 21-year-old Andre Bent was stabbed in the chest.
A fifth man, arrested in connection with the murder, has been bailed.
Police have also issued CCTV images of a man who may have important information regarding the fatal stabbing.
Anyone with information is urged to call the dedicated appeal line on 01622 654864 or visit the Kent Police section of the Major Incident Public Reporting site.
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.
Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone
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Lydia Catling