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Man arrested in Whitstable over murder of Kyle Kelson in Cheam shooting

15:55, 23 June 2020

updated: 16:00, 23 June 2020

A man has been arrested in Kent over the murder of a 25-year-old father who was shot in the head.

The 28-year-old suspect was apprehended in Whitstable this morning, as part of a pre-planned operation by the Met Police.

Kyle Kelson died after being shot in the head on Friday. Picture: Met Police
Kyle Kelson died after being shot in the head on Friday. Picture: Met Police

He has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in police custody.

Just after 1am on Friday, police including firearms officers rushed to Brocks Drive in North Cheam, near Croydon, after reports of shots fired.

They found Kyle Kelson, from Cheam, in the street, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

Police provided first aid, while ambulances and London's Air Ambulance also rushed to the scene.

But despite their best efforts, Kyle was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.45am.

The scene following Kyle's death on Friday. Picture: UK News in Pictures
The scene following Kyle's death on Friday. Picture: UK News in Pictures

Kyle's mother, Angella Kelson, said: "Kyle was a much loved father, son, brother and friend to so many people.

"His big beautiful smile brought joy to all of us."

A murder investigation is being carried out by detectives in the Met's Specialist Crime department overseen by Det Ch Insp Richard Leonard.

DCI Leonard said: "Our investigation continues to make progress, but I still need to hear from residents or people who were walking or driving through Brocks Drive in the early hours of Friday morning.

"Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? No matter how insignificant it may seem, you could have crucial information.

An image of the vehicle police are interested in. Picture: Met Police
An image of the vehicle police are interested in. Picture: Met Police

“I am also releasing an image of a dark coloured car that was seen driving away from the scene; we are not certain about the make and model. I want to hear from anyone who saw this car in the area or has information about it.

"A man has lost his life in violent circumstances and his family are devastated. They need and deserve answers and the community can help us provide them. If you have information, video or images that could help us, please contact us immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 0208 721 4622, 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting reference Cad 414/19Jun.

Flowers laid at the scene of Kyle's death. Picture: UK News in Pictures
Flowers laid at the scene of Kyle's death. Picture: UK News in Pictures

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Met Police has declined to confirm the location at which the 28-year-old was arrested in Whitstable this morning.

It comes after an armed raid on a property in Joy Lane, Whitstable, at about 7.30am today.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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