POLICE have denied reports that the two teenagers being questioned over the murder of 16-year-old Kent schoolboy Michael Chapman are brothers and asylum seekers.

An 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Supt Steve Corbishley said: "Reports in today’s national newspapers state that the males in custody are both brothers and asylum seekers. This is factually incorrect.

"This murder enquiry is ongoing and the two local males remain in police custody."

Michael died on Friday night as a result of an unprovoked attack at the upper playing fields at Gore Court Cricket Club at Sittingbourne. He was a pupil at The Westlands School in the town.

The two suspects are being held at different police stations in the county. Magistrates at Sittingbourne granted police another 33 hours to question them on Monday.

Officers have set up a mobile police station at Gore Court Cricket Ground, near the site of the attack, to talk to people in the area and so that people can come and talk to them, in private if they wish.

Det Supt Lee Catling said: "I want to appeal to people to come forward with information about Michael’s tragic death. Anyone who knows why someone would want to hurt Michael must come forward and talk to us."

"Michael died in an area that we know is popular with young people and I appeal to anyone who was there on Friday night or who has information about what happened to contact us."

Michael was a Year 11 pupil at The Westlands School. Headteacher Jon Whitcombe said: "Michael was a quiet and reserved member of our school community who was well-liked by his teachers and fellow pupils.

"He was almost at the end of his GCSEs with two examinations remaining. Michael came from a close-knit and supportive family, with whom the school is in contact at this most difficult of times."

Officers leading the the murder enquiry updated Mike Fuller, the Chief Constable, on the progress of the investigation when he visited the scene.

Mr Fuller, speaking close to an ever-growing pile of tribute flowers laid at the scene by friends and family, said: "This tragic death has shocked all the local community and it appears to be an unprovoked attack.

"I extend my sympathy to the whole of Michael's friends and family. We are determined to find those responsible."

Mr Catling added: "This was a shocking and brutal murder of a 16-year-old boy but we want to reassure people that this is a very unusual type of crime. I can confirm that Michael was with his girlfriend and that it is likely he died in her arms. His brother David and his girlfriend were also there.

"I am reasonably confident that no weapon was used and that the attack seems unprovoked. Anyone who knows why someone would want to hurt Michael must come forward and talk to us."

It is believed Michael, his brother and their girlfriends had been to the nearby Bobbing Apple pub and McDonalds restaurant and were returning home to Bobbing when the attack happened at about 11pm on Friday in an isolated playing field next to Grove Park Primary School, off Hilton Drive.

Kent Police have set up a witness appeal line for people to contact them with information on 01795 419158 or Kent Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to give their name.