Maidstone town centre is cordoned off this morning after a man was murdered and four others left injured.

Jubilee Square and the top end of the High Street have been cordoned off by police and police are in the process of now extending the cordon down the High Street as far as Pudding Lane after blood splatters were found on the pavement.

A Maidstone Urban Blue Bus can be seen parked on Jubilee Square next to the Victoria statue and seems to be the centre of police activity.

The Blue Bus is a charitable service, manned by volunteers, who provide emergency first-aid treatment, and assistance to revellers enjoying the town's nightlife.

Forensic officers arrived just after 8am and entered the area by the bus which has been shielded from public view with tarpaulins.

Police have now confirmed a 21-year-old man died of stab wounds.

A large number of police officers remain at the scene this morning.

Kent County Council workers have arrived and re-enforced the police scene-of-crime tape with plastic barriers and No Entry signs.

The High Street is a key route for a number of bus services, so passengers should expect some delays, while drivers find alternative routes.

Bus company Arriva has issued this notice by Facebook: "Due to a police incident in Maidstone, the High Street is closed.

"As a result, we are unable to serve the High Street stops.

"Please use alternative stops in Chequers Bus station. The only stop in the High Street that is not affected is the Cannon stop at the bottom of the High Street."

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