Stabbing prompts knife crime plea as family mourns

Relatives of a man who was stabbed to death in Kent have said that no family should have to feel the pain of losing a loved one to knife crime.

The family of Ashton Harrington, 19, have set up a fundraising page with proceeds going to Safer Kent, a charity that aims to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Harrington was attacked in the early hours of Friday in Belmont Road, Whitstable, prompting a police appeal for information.

Kent Police have not yet formally identified the victim but confirmed a man had died at the scene.

The fundraising page, which was set up on behalf of the family by Bayley Harrington, said: "Today, we lost a father, son, family member and friend to knife crime. No family should have to feel this pain.

"No mother or father should have to get that call or the knock at the door to tell them their child isn't coming home. You never think it will happen to you, until it does.

"One choice has countless consequences and destroys so many lives."

Floral tributes were left outside Whitstable Town FC, with one note left by Whitstable Nursing Home Team stating: "You will never get over it, but you will get through it. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve.

"Knife crime needs to stop, full stop; it is destroying our communities and families. Sorry for your loss at this sad time."

Police said that the victim had suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds.

The force has not yet formally identified the victim, but he has been named locally.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to the force or Crimestoppers.

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