Kent Police chief issues update after two murder investigations …

A police chief inspector has issued a message to her communities after a second murder investigation was launched in Kent[1] in less than a week. The tragic incidents happened in Canterbury[2] and Dartford on Monday (April 10) and Friday (April 14) respectively. Ch Insp Lara Connor moved to reassure people following the death of Guy Malbec and an 18-year-old man in two separate incidents in the county in the space of just four days.

Mr Malbec, 51, was found to have sustained serious injuries at a car park in Castle Street, Canterbury. Four men have been since been charged[3] in connection with his death. Ch Insp Connor, who is the director of the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, told KentLive: ‘Whilst it is understandable that public concern may be heightened when serious incidents[4] occur within a short time of each other, I would like to reassure residents that Kent remains a safe place to live and that officers proactively target those responsible for committing violent offences. This includes the two tragic deaths that occurred recently in Canterbury and Dartford, in which detectives worked quickly to gather evidence and arrest and charge a number of suspects.”

Two men, both 19 years old, have been arrested in Gillingham on suspicion of murder following the death of an 18-year-old[5] man who was stabbed in an alleyway off Suffolk Road on Friday evening in Dartford[6]. Officers have spoken to a number of potential witnesses, but are continuing to appeal to anyone with information to contact them. Meanwhile police confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised charges of murder, in connection with the death of Mr Malbec, against Gavin Houghton, 49, and Airidas Sakalauskas, 21, both of Old Dover Road, Canterbury, and Sobantu Sibanda, 27, of Albert Street, Whitstable, and Keith Hall, 50, of Athelstan Road, Thanington

Ch Insp Connor added: “Kent Police has a number of teams dedicated to tackling serious violence including the County Line and Gangs Team and the Kent Crime Squad, who relentlessly pursue those who commit violent acts including serious assaults, robberies and aggravated burglaries resulting in hundreds of offenders now being behind bars.” She said that the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit alongside local councils, health providers and other partners, are committed to “addressing and understanding the causes of violent crime and supporting those involved and affected by it, adding “we therefore work closely with schools, youth groups, charities and other organisations to commission projects and interventions that engage with young people in particular and help to steer them away from criminal activity. “Keeping people from safe from harm remains our top priority and we will continue to target anyone who puts innocent members of the public at risk to ensure they are brought to justice.”

Anyone with information about the Dartford stabbing is urged to contact Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 14-1360. Dashcam and CCTV footage can be submitted using the following link[8]. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

For the latest crime and court news from Kent, sign up to our free newsletter here[9]

References

1. ^ Kent (www.kentlive.news)
2. ^ Canterbury (www.kentlive.news)
3. ^ Four men have been since been charged (www.kentlive.news)
4. ^ serious incidents (www.kentlive.news)
5. ^ following the death of an 18-year-old (www.kentlive.news)
6. ^ Dartford (www.kentlive.news)
7. ^ Man charged with sexual assaults during physio treatments (www.kentlive.news)
8. ^ following link (mipp.police.uk)
9. ^ here (data.reachplc.com)