Police have cordoned off the main route through a village after a man was stabbed to death.

The attack took place outside the Queens Head pub in Boughton under Blean, between Faversham and Canterbury just after 10.30pm last night.

There was a huge emergency response, with police and ambulance crews descending on the scene and an air ambulance landing nearby.

Police have since confirmed a man in his 30s died near the scene. A murder investigation has been launched, and three arrests have been made.

The Street remains shut between the junctions with Arthur Kennedy Close and School Lane, with diversions in place via Bull Lane and Staplestreet Road.

Residents have been told the village is likely to remain closed for the rest of the day.

Brian Gentry, 70, who lives next to the pub in Arthur Kennedy Close, said: “I knew something was strange because I saw the pub lights were on late last night.

“I heard a police helicopter for a good couple of hours.

“It is very unusual because you do not expect anything like that. There is normally no trouble at the pub.”

The Queens Head pub is cordoned off, with forensics seen going in and out.

There is also a cordon half a mile up The Street, and a white tent has been erected near a bus stop.

Vicar Cathrine Ngangira told KentOnline the incident is “very concerning”.

She added: “It is so close to the school.

“It was a shock to see this happening in our community.

“The pub is one of the most used spaces in our village and I’m wondering if adults and children here will feel safe.”

Stagecoach has confirmed some of its services will be diverted due to the “serious police incident”.

A spokesperson for the bus service said on Twitter: “Due to a serious police incident in Boughton 3 & 3X services will be diverted.

“They will serve the bus stops on Stockers Hill and additionally stop at Agrii in Dunkirk.

“We expect the road to be closed for most of the day.”

Another man who lives nearby said: “My wife says she heard a fight at 10.30pm last night.

“We heard two different helicopters and the lights were flashing at 3am where they were putting road closed signs up.”

A spokesperson for Boughton-under-Blean and Dunkirk Primary School said: “We are able to open but there is no pedestrian access from The Street.

“There is access via the village hall car park only.”