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Family pay tribute to Chatham man who died after assault in town centre

The family of a "kind-hearted and much-loved” man who died after a town centre assault have said they will fight for justice.

Josh Ingram was put on life-support after being attacked twice within the space of two days last week in Chatham town centre.

Josh Ingram, 33, who died in hospital, pictured with his mother Trish Ingram. Picture: Family Handout
Josh Ingram, 33, who died in hospital, pictured with his mother Trish Ingram. Picture: Family Handout

A man was arrested on suspicion of murder after the 33-year-old died in hospital. He has since been bailed pending further investigation.

Now, his family has vowed to get justice for the son, brother, and uncle who has left a void in their lives after his death.

Josh, who was known as “Joshy” by his family and friends, was born in Chatham but grew up in Rainham where he attended the Howard School and Inspire Academy when it was named the Silverbank School.

He had two brothers, Luke and Jake, two sisters, Carly and Nicole, five nephews and three nieces.

His sister Carly said: “Joshy was a very sociable, popular, and well-liked person around Medway. He was kind-hearted, old-fashioned, and humorous.

Josh, pictured with his mum Trish, left, and sister Carly, right, has left a huge void in the family following his death. Picture: Family Handout
Josh, pictured with his mum Trish, left, and sister Carly, right, has left a huge void in the family following his death. Picture: Family Handout
Left to right: Josh Ingram with his brother Jake. Picture: Family Handout
Left to right: Josh Ingram with his brother Jake. Picture: Family Handout

“Josh loved his family, he was all for his family and doted on his nieces and nephews.

“Josh loved horses from a very young age, he also enjoyed cooking and would take over at Christmas time.

“Losing Josh is indescribable and no words can explain how hard it has been to come to terms with.”

Carly said the family still needs to grieve but this has been delayed due to the murder investigation, which means they still do not know when they can lay him to rest.

“We need time to grieve and pick up the pieces from this tremendous loss,” she added. “But as everyone can imagine this is a very difficult time for all.”

Left to right: Luke Ingram with his brother Josh Ingram, who died in hospital after an attack in Chatham town centre. Picture: Family Handout
Left to right: Luke Ingram with his brother Josh Ingram, who died in hospital after an attack in Chatham town centre. Picture: Family Handout

Josh was unable to work after being diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis at the age of 17 – a condition which causes inflammation of the blood vessels in a person’s nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and kidneys.

Several floral gifts have been left for the Chatham man, which is greatly appreciated by the family, including his beloved mum Trish who he was very close to.

Carly added: “The loss of Josh has had the deepest effect on her as she was often described as ‘his soulmate’ by many people.

“She is at a great loss without him and has encountered a sunken void within, all due to the vile life choices made by another.

“No mother should go through this and no matter the outcome of this investigation there will be nothing to fill this void.”

Left to right: Josh Ingram with his sister Carly and brother Jake. Picture: Family Handout
Left to right: Josh Ingram with his sister Carly and brother Jake. Picture: Family Handout
Josh Ingram, 33, with his sister Nicole Ingram. Picture: Family Handout
Josh Ingram, 33, with his sister Nicole Ingram. Picture: Family Handout

The family has said they need justice for “pure soul” Josh.

It’s alleged Josh was assaulted on Monday, April 1, between 11am and 2pm in Magpie Hall Road, near the junction with Newnham Street.

Detectives are also investigating claims he was attacked during a previous incident in the High Street between Upbury Way and Institute Road on March 30 at around 10.45pm.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation, while a second man detained was released without charge last Monday.

Josh loved horses and cooking. Picture: Family Handout
Josh loved horses and cooking. Picture: Family Handout
Josh Ingram, pictured with his brother Jake, was “much-loved”. Picture: Family Handout
Josh Ingram, pictured with his brother Jake, was “much-loved”. Picture: Family Handout

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed either of the incidents to call the appeal line.

Drivers with dashcam and residents with private CCTV in the area are also asked to check for relevant footage.

Anyone with information should call 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/52286/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.

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