A teenager and young dad killed after being stabbed in a residential street has been named.
Ashton Harrington, 19, died after an incident in Belmont Road, Whitstable, in the early hours of Good Friday (April 3).
Ashton Harrington died in Belmont Road in Whitstable after being stabbed to death. Picture: Harrington family
Police were called to reports of a serious assault just after 2am, while an air ambulance landed on nearby Westmeads Recreation Ground at about 3am.
A fundraiser has been set up by his family to help support the Safer Kent charity, which works to help tackle and prevent crime and anti-social behaviour throughout the county’s communities.
Bayley Harrington says the campaign is being run in Ashton’s memory, who she says was “so loved” by his family.
She said: “On behalf of Ashton’s family, it breaks our hearts to be writing this message.
“Today we lost a father, son, family member and friend to knife crime.
“No family should have to feel this pain. No mother or father should have to get that call or the knock at the door to tell them their child isn’t coming home.
A red and white forensics tent was set up in Belmont Road in Whitstable. Picture: Joe Crossley
“You never think it will happen to you, ‘til it does. One choice has countless consequences and destroys so many lives.
“In memory of Ashton, we would like to raise money to help make Kent safe again. We love you Ashton, you are so loved.”
Proceeds from the fundraising page on GoFundMe are set to be donated to Safer Kent.
The charity says it is “dedicated to creating a better environment for everyone in Kent” and exists in order to “reduce crime, and improve community safety”.
It works with various projects that combat issues including drugs, alcohol, anti-social behaviour, personal safety, property crime, hate crime, domestic violence and road safety.
Officers found Mr Harrington with injuries consistent with stab wounds in Belmont Road but he died at the scene.
Belmont Road is cordoned off at the junction with Canterbury Road, Whitstable, as police investigate an alleged murder. Picture: Joe Crossley
Forensics officers set up a red and white tent in the middle of the road, next to the Windsor House flats block.
A cordon was in place at the junction with Canterbury Road at one end of Belmont Road and the mini-roundabout at Old Bridge Road at the other.
Police confirmed yesterday they had launched a murder probe.
No arrests have been made to date.
But officers were spotted in Clarendon Street, Herne Bay, at around 8.30pm yesterday.
Police were seen in Clarendon Street, Herne Bay, on Friday (April 3) evening
Witnesses said there were three police vans, eight police cars, undercover cars, and a dog unit.
One told KentOnline: ”They blocked the road and police were shouting and armed police went to the door, all standing with their guns and dogs.”
Police were executing a warrant at an address as part of the ongoing investigation, the force confirmed today.
No further details about whether anyone was detained have been released by detectives.
Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury, said her thoughts are “with the friends and family of the young victim”.
She added: “This is horrible news. This is especially shocking as we thankfully have very few incidents of serious or violent crime locally.
Young dad Ashton Harrington died in Belmont Road in Whitstable after being stabbed. Picture: Harrington family
“If you think you may know anything at all, please contact Kent Police in Canterbury.”
Anyone with information which could assist officers should call 01843 222289, quoting reference 03-0102.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.