More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Police have launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed to death and four others left injured in the early hours of this morning.
The incident happened in Jubilee Square in the centre of Maidstone at around 3am.
Police say four men have been arrested, following a disturbance in the High Street that involved a number of men.
A 21-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.
Four men were also injured, with three taken to a London hospital and the fourth taken to a local hospital.
The four men arrested were all from London. They are a 23-year-old man, two 21-year-old men and a 19-year-old.
The investigation is being conducted by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
The High Street from the junction with Week Street and Gabriel's Hill, down to the Star Arcade, remains sealed off this morning.
Earlier the police cordon had been extended as far as Pudding Lane, but that has now been removed.
Comments on social media suggested the trouble began earlier inside The Gallery nightclub, where London rapper Montell Daley, known by his stage name MoStack, was performing. The club, which is also within the police cordon, remains closed today.
The Urban Blue Bus, staffed by volunteers, to provide assistance to the town's night-clubbers, remains within the police cordon.
Val Jacobs, chairwoman of the trust which runs the bus, said: "I can confirm that all our volunteers are unharmed, but otherwise I can't give any details."
Buses remain unable to use the High Street, and Arriva has advised passengers to use The Mall bus station.
The cordon has prevented a number of businesses from opening this morning. They include Coral bookmakers, The Brenchley pub, McColls newsagents, the Muggleton Inn and the British Heart Foundation charity shop.
At midday, a police spokeswoman was still unable to give any indication when the cordon would be lifted.
Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 25-0224.
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
