A man has been stabbed to death in a street in Gillingham and police have launched a murder investigation.

Police have confirmed a man in his 30s was declared dead in Fox Street.

The emergency services were to a road this afternoon after reports of a stabbing in an alleyway.

Police, forensics and paramedics were called to Fox Street at 1.10pm.

One man who lives in the street, but didn't want to be named, said he believes somebody has suffered "multiple stab wounds".

His wife is currently staying at her father's house nearby as she is not allowed through the police cordon.

He had no idea when she would be allowed to return to their home.

Police initially said they had been called to a serious incident, but have now confirmed they have launched a murder investigation.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Kent Police was called to Fox Street, at 1.10pm.

"Officers and the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene where a man in his 30s was declared deceased.

"It is believed the victim sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing."

A witness said: "They (the police) have been there since about 1pm.

"It happened in the alley opposite the library, near to The Monarch pub."

A member of staff at the pub confirmed the police arrived in the street this afternoon and were still there.

She said: "We're just in here behind closed doors at the moment, I couldn't say how many police are out there at the moment.

"There's loads of them, including forensics, and it sounds like they're going to be here for a few more hours as well."

The Fox Street resident added: "My wife was taking me back to work at 12.50pm and noticed there was a cordon.

"She got back about 20 minutes later and then she was told she wasn't allowed in the street.

"She's still at her dad's, which is just around the corner.

"She has been going back to check what is going on but still isn't allowed back home.

"There is a forensic van and at least three police cars still there.

"Gillingham generally has a lot of crime going on, its just one of those things living in the town these days."

Another man who has just moved into the street said he got home and couldn't get into his new home as there was a forensic tent outside, close to his front door.

The man who didn't want to be named said: "I am in shock. I have only just moved here and the police are not saying anything at all."

It is also understood the Kent Air Ambulance landed in a nearby park at about 1.30pm shorty after the incident.

The police spokesman added: "An investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident has been launched by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and officers currently remain at the scene while inquiries are ongoing.

"No arrests have yet been made and anyone with any information is asked to contact Kent Police by calling 101 or via the website quoting reference CAD 20-0680."

Murder detectives at the scene. Video: UKNIP

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