Six people have been arrested by police investigating the suspected murder of a man described as "generous, funny and loyal".

Detectives were called to The Street in Boughton under Blean last night following reports of a stabbing, with it confirmed this morning the alleged attack was fatal.

Following the tragedy, many tributes have been paid to Adam Pritchard, who was in his 30s.

Police have confirmed a murder investigation has been launched and six have been arrests made after officers were called to a disturbance shortly after 10.30pm.

The force attended with paramedics and a man in his 30s was found with injuries consistent with a stabbing.

He was pronounced dead near the scene.

A police spokesman said: “Three men, aged between 39 and 43, were arrested in connection with the incident and Kent Police’s Serious Crime Directorate started a murder investigation.

“Later on, two further men, aged 37 and 42, were detained at a property in the village and taken into custody. A third man, aged 33, was also arrested in Canterbury.

“Officers remain at the scene completing enquiries and engaging with the local community. The Street remains closed in the centre of the village and residents will see additional patrols in the area.”

Armed police were also seen in Colonels Lane this morning, with multiple officers in the area.

Police are appealing for information on the incident and have asked for witnesses to come forward.

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

The Street was shut for more than 24 hours between the junctions with Arthur Kennedy Close and School Lane, with diversions in place via Bull Lane and Staplestreet Road. It has since reopened.

Mr Pritchard’s family shared the devastating news of his death on Facebook this morning, describing him as "generous, funny and loyal".

Others shared tributes on social media, with Gemz Sweetlove writing: “[I am] heartbroken for the loveliest family in Faversham.

“You will be sadly missed by so many.”

Amy-Jayne Lambert posted: “You will be sorely missed and there will be a huge Adam-shaped hole in so many people’s lives.

“I will cherish my memories with you forever.”

Froggy Cooper added: “I can’t believe I woke up to this sad, sad news today.

“Words really cannot explain the heart.

“I will cherish the times we had and the days me and your brother, Luke, used to box together.”

Rachael Allum said: “You will be sorely missed. So many great memories.”

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

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

There was also a cordon half a mile along The Street, and a white tent was 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 confirmed some of its services would 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 and 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.”

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

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

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage which may assist enquiries, is urged to call police on 01795 419119 quoting reference 13-1461.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.