A father-of-two was praised as ‘one nice fella’ by friends today after he was allegedly stabbed to death on the doorstep of his home in Kent last night.
Jamie Simmons, 29, was said to have been attacked a number of times with a large knife at his property in Maidstone following a fight which broke out at about 9pm.
Mr Simmons had recently had a daughter only two months ago, and his young family were thought to have been inside his ground floor flat when he was knifed.
A woman – thought to be his partner – was heard screaming after the attack, and locals said they saw police possibly chasing a suspect shortly after the incident.
Two men and a woman, who were known to keen fisherman Mr Simmons, are being questioned by police today after being arrested in a murder investigation.
Father-of-two Jamie Simmons, 29, pictured with his family, praised as ‘one nice fella’ by friends today after he was allegedly stabbed to death on the doorstep of his home in Kent last night
Keen fisherman Mr Simmons was said to have been attacked a number of times with a large knife at his property in Maidstone following a fight which broke out at about 9pm
People gather near the flat in Maidstone today following the news of Mr Simmons’s death
Emergency services rushed to the victim’s aid and the air ambulance landed on the green outside on Cambridge Crescent, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Paramedics wearing white protective suits desperately tried to resuscitate him outside Truro House on an estate in the Shepway area of Maidstone.
A blue and white forensics tent was today pitched up on the ground where he is said to have been stabbed.
Mr Simmons, who worked for a driveway resurfacing firm, died at the scene. His red work van was seen parked next to the forensics tent.
A large number of police are on the scene in Maidstone today following last night’s stabbing
A blue forensics tent has been established at the scene this morning as police investigate
A forensics investigation van is at the scene today as Kent Police investigate what happened
Grandfather Stephen Young, 69, who lives nearby, said: ‘I knew him. He was a nice bloke and had just had a daughter about two months ago and was excited about it.
‘He already had a young boy who’s about five or six from a previous relationship. It’s so tragic that they’ve lost their father.
‘I saw the police turn up and people in white protective suits giving him CPR.
‘All I heard was screaming. It must have been his girlfriend. They were probably all inside the flat. I saw police chasing a bloke up the road as well.’
He added: ‘I’ve known them both for some time. He was always reasonable and anything you needed doing, he’d do.’
Police officers at the scene in Maidstone today following the death of the father last night
Police search the area and establish a tent today following the stabbing in Maidstone last night
The area has been swarmed by police with a large cordon in place, also taping off two other flats on the estate.
Another local, a 72-year-old woman, said: ‘I saw loads of blue lights flashing through my window and I looked out and saw them trying to resuscitate him.
‘It was terrifying for something like that to happen on your doorstep. I feel so sorry for anyone who knew him. It’s heartbreaking.’
Friends paid tribute to him on Facebook today, with Sherri Rees saying: ‘He was such a kind and warm person. Very good friend of mine from a young age.
Police investigate at the scene in Maidstone, Kent, this morning after last night’s fatal stabbing
A police tent is erected at the scene of the murder as officers investigate in Maidstone today
‘Many, many broken hearts this morning. Thinking of all of his family.’ And Danny Price wrote on social media: ‘RIP. Jamie was one nice fella. Really sad. God bless.’
Amy Stubberfield added: ‘I can’t believe this. So sorry.’ Another wrote: ‘Sending love and strength to his family and pray you find something to get you through.’
Melvin Jennings, who owns Jennings Surfacing, told KentOnline: ‘He worked for me for around two years and was a good worker. I am very shocked at the news.’
A large crime scene was put in place around the house with surrounding roads sealed off – and a silver car was taken away on a low loader.
The incident took place on Cambridge Crescent in the Kent town of Maidstone last night
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are leading the investigation and said the three arrested people were all known to Mr Simmons.
The trio are being questioned by detectives at police stations in Kent, and officers are now appealing for anyone with information and witnesses to come forward.
Mr Simmons attended the since-closed Oldborough Manor Community School in Maidstone as a child.
A Kent Police spokesman said: ‘Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Maidstone.
A police forensics officer investigates at the scene of the murder in Maidstone last night
Two police cars are stationed at the scene of the murder in Maidstone yesterday evening
A forensics officer looks for clues at the scene in Maidstone as they investigate last night
‘Kent Police was called to a disturbance at a property in Cambridge Crescent at around 9.15pm on Monday May 4, 2020.
‘Officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended the scene where a man in his 20s, with injuries consistent with stab wounds, was declared deceased.
‘Two men and a woman, who were known to the victim, were arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody while an investigation by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate continues.’
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Opolice on 101 quoting reference 04-1448 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111