A man has been charged with murder after a young father was found stabbed in a flat.

Kieron Nicholson, of Vicarage Lane, East Farleigh, was arrested shortly after police were called to a disturbance in Cambridge Crescent, on Maidstone's Shepway estate, on Monday evening during which 29-year-old Jamie Simmons was found dead.

Nicholson, 29, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court via video link this morning charged with his murder.

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

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigating the fatal stabbing have also arrested another 29-year-old man from Maidstone on suspicion of murder. He has been bailed until June 2.

A woman in her 20s from Tonbridge has also been arrested in connection with the incident. She has now been released pending further inquires.

Parts of the Shepway estate remained cordoned off this morning as officers continued to carry out their investigation.

Floral tributes to Mr Simmons have been left by well-wishers.

Friends paid tribute to him yesterday morning.

One said: "Had so many good laughs with you at work man I’m in so much shock."

Another posted: "What a cruel world we live in. You will never be forgotten RIP Jamie Simmons."

Melvin Jennings, who owns Jennings Surfacing, told KentOnline Mr Simmons had been an employee of his.

"He worked for me for around two years and was a good worker. I am very shocked at the news."

KMTV reports on the incident

Shepway resident Susan Nash, who lives close to where the incident occurred, said: "I've lived here for four years. I thought it was quite a pleasant area but this is very scary. There were police everywhere last night, and then I saw the air ambulance come down."

Investigators are continuing to appeal to anyone with information that may assist their investigation to contact Kent Police by calling 01622 604100, quoting reference 04-1448.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone