A man has appeared before magistrates today charged with the murder of 33-year-old Michael Tierney.

George French, 39, of Ansell Avenue, Chatham was remanded in custody over the dad-of-one's death.

He will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

It comes after William Fleming, 26, of White Road, Chatham, appeared in court at the weekend, where he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address before he was remanded to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

His girlfriend Kelly Whicker, 27, of Haig Avenue, was also in the dock after she was charged with assisting an offender.

She has been remanded in custody until Friday, July 10 when she will appear at crown court.

Mr Tierney, 33, was found injured in Haig Avenue, Chatham, shortly before 11pm on Tuesday and taken to a London hospital but died from his injuries on Thursday.

Police said an initial disturbance that began in Glencoe Road at about 10.45pm on Tuesday, involving a number of men, is believed to have continued in Magpie Hall Road.

Mr Tierney's family has issued a statement describing him as "one in a million" and thanked the community for its support since his death.

It said: "Our beloved Mikey was one in a million a wonderful son, fiancé, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and incredible dad to Jojo who he adored and a great stepdad.

"A light has gone out in our lives and our hearts are shattered.

"We would like to thank our family and all the community who have shown so much love and support for our Mikey."

On Friday evening, a crowd of about 100 of Mr Tierney's family and friends gathered in Victoria Park, Fort Pitt Hill, Chatham, to let off hundreds of balloons in his memory.

Four other people were arrested in connection with Mr Tierney's death.

A 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, both from Chatham, were held on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail until July 31.

A 26-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman who were arrested have since been released without charge.

Anyone with information who has not yet come forward can call Kent Police on 101, quoting incident reference 16-1597. Alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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