A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old boy was repeatedly stabbed to death as he fled from a car being attacked by a gang.
The boy named locally as Kyle Yule was chased after he ran from a Renault Clio before being stabbed shortly after 8pm in Gillingham on Friday.
The 15-year-old from the area was arrested and is being questioned by Kent murder squad detectives.
The devastated friends of Kyle, a former Brompton Academy pupil, posted tributes to him on Facebook.
Maya Wilkinson wrote: ‘Rest in peace Kyle Yule, such a messed up place we all live in.’
Kyle Yule, 15, has been named locally as the victim of a fatal stabbing in Gillingham
Kyle Webb wrote: ‘Rest in peace Kyle Yule. No one deserves what has happened to you at all!
‘Thoughts go out to your family! Fly high mate and see you soon.’
Pav Singh Pabla added: ‘RIP Kyle Yule… can’t believe what I’ve just heard.’
His mum, Nikki Yule, also posted a picture of her son on her Facebook page during the early hours of this morning.
She has been inundated with messages of support and sympathy from friends.
Collett Connell wrote: ‘Lots of love Nikki u should be proud you raised a beautiful boy we’re all here for you.’
According to his Facebook page, Kyle lived in Gillingham.
Reports on social media said police told people living in the area to stay in their homes as they dealt with the incident last night.
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are investigating the incident and have launched a murder inquiry.
A spokesman for police said: ‘Kent Police was called at 8.10pm to an incident in East Street, where it was reported that a number of people were causing criminal damage to a silver Renault Clio.
‘A teenage boy is reported to have run from the vehicle before being chased by the offenders.
‘A short distance away he received a number of injuries consistent with being stabbed. He later died in hospital.
‘The victim’s next of kin have been informed. One person has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
‘Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have information which can assist their enquires.
Police say after the incident the Renault Clio was reported to have been moved and found parked in a different location, in Cleveland Road.
They are also seeking information from anyone who may have noticed this vehicle being moved or saw anything suspicious.