Four members of a rapper's entourage have appeared in court after a late night brawl which resulted in a man being knifed to death.

Yussef Abdi Aweys, 19, Darien Thompson-Cox, 21, Mohamed Gelani, previously referred to as Mohamed Abdurahman by police, 23, and Nathaniel Small, 22, all appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court today after an incident in Maidstone High Street on Sunday.

All four were charged with violent disorder, having initially been arrested on suspicion of murder, after 21-year-old Andre Bent died was stabbed in the chest.

Four other men were injured - three were taken to a London hospital and the fourth to a local hospital.

The court heard how the men were a part of a group that came down to support their friend and rapper MoStack, real name Montell Daley, who was appearing at The Gallery nightclub.

Aweys, Small, Gelani and Thompson-Cox, all of Haringey, London, were all accused of punching, kicking and stamping on a victim while he lay on the ground.

Prosecuting for the Crown Prosecution Service, Deborah Jones, said all four were identified on CCTV by their clothes.

Margaret Hyde, who was defending Aweys and Small, revealed that Aweys, a Somalian-born British citizen, was arrested after walking away from the incident but being seen to have blood on his arm.

Ms Hyde added it's not known yet whose blood it was but that Aweys said it got there after he helped one of his friends.

She also added the 19-year-old admitted "fearing for his life" during the brawl.

All four men will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, September 24 after giving no indication of a plea due to not all of the evidence being found.

Aweys, Small and Thompson-Cox were all remanded in custody. Gelani was granted bail after his solicitor Simon Holmes described him as a "hard-working, intelligent young man" who helped provide for his family.

However, the prosecution have challenged this decision and he remains in custody until a further hearing is held.

He was bailed under the conditions that he stays at his home address under a tagged curfew between 8pm and 6am and that he doesn't visit Kent except for meetings with his solicitor.

Family members of Mr Bent, a student at London South Bank University, posted emotional tributes to him over the bank holiday weekend.

Sister Michaela said on Twitter: "He did not deserve this in any way shape or form. He went out that night to enjoy himself and celebrate a friends birthday.

"I will not see my brother again and nothing can change that. What we can do is find the person who did this and let justice serve its course."

Cousin Louis Annan said: "I want everyone to know that my cousin had an amazing heart and was on his way to make a positive impact in this world.

He added: "Rest in peace Andre Bent. I love you forever."

Floral tributes have since been laid in the town after the shocking scenes that were caught on camera.

The Gallery nightclub responded to suggestions certain visitors had not been properly searched in a statement.

A 23-year-old man, also from London, was today arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and perverting the course of justice. He remains in custody.

Inquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 25-0224.

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