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Family pay tribute to 'brilliant dad' Jamie Simmons who was fatally stabbed in Cambridge Crescent, Maidstone

A mum has spoken of the devastating moment she saw paramedics desperately trying to save the life of her son.

Diane Simmons was returning home from work when she saw police and paramedics at the Maidstone home of her son Jamie Simmons following a disturbance in which he had been stabbed.

Ambulance crews battled to save the 29-year-old's life but he was declared dead at the scene in Cambridge Crescent on the Shepway estate on Monday evening.

The family understand he was knifed in the heart.

Mr Simmons had recently become a father for the third time when his fiancée Charlotte Muddiman gave birth to daughter Dolcie 11 weeks ago.

"There were police everywhere," his mother said. "I just got out of the car and ran to the flat and there was somebody lying on the floor. I said to Charlotte ‘who is that?’ She was in bits and they were pumping on his chest. I wasn’t allowed near him.

"They said they were going to take him to hospital but then he passed away."

The father-of-three was described by his family as having "got his life on track" and elder sister Kerrie said he was a brilliant dad who would now not have the chance to see his children grow up. Mr Simmons had two other children from a previous relationship.

Jamie Simmons' mother Diane Simmons and sister Kerrie Simmons have paid tribute to the 'brilliant dad'
Jamie Simmons' mother Diane Simmons and sister Kerrie Simmons have paid tribute to the 'brilliant dad'

Mr Simmons worked for Jennings Surfacing, doing a job which he loved. Himself and Charlotte were looking to move in to a larger home.

Yesterday Diane and her partner told the children their dad had died. "They were asking for Jamie and asking where he is," she said.

"He was so loved by all his family. We are devastated, we don't want to believe it."

Following the stabbing, police made three arrests.

A Maidstone man, 29, and a woman in her 20s from Tonbridge have since been released pending further enquires, but a third person has been charged with murder.

Jamie Simmons and his daughter Dolcie, who was born weeks before his death
Jamie Simmons and his daughter Dolcie, who was born weeks before his death

Kieron Nicholson, 29, Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court via video link this morning charged with the killing.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear again before Maidstone Crown Court tomorrow.

Police remain at the scene of the murder today, where floral tributes to the victim have been left by well-wishers.

Floral tributes are building up in memory of Jamie Simmons Picture: UK News in Pictures
Floral tributes are building up in memory of Jamie Simmons Picture: UK News in Pictures

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