Police investigating the suspected murder of a young woman who was stabbed to death in a shopping centre car park have referred the matter the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Molly McLaren, 23, from Cobham, died after an attack in the Dockside Outlet Centre car park in Chatham Maritime yesterday.

The 23-year-old was thought to be a student at the University of Kent where she was studying Exercise, Sport and Health Education.

It is understood as part of their on-going inquiries, officers are investigating to see if there were any previous crime reports made by Miss McLaren to the force in relation to the suspected attacker.

A 25-year-old man, who was known to Miss McLaren, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Floral tributes have been left in the car park this morning and a coroner’s officer confirmed they had been informed of her death.

A spokesman for Kent Police, said: “As part of officers’ on-going enquires, any previous reports made by the victim to Kent Police regarding the suspect will form part of the murder investigation.

“Kent Police has referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and they will determine whether there is a requirement for them to investigate.”