Sittingbourne teenager charged with attempted murder

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised a charge of attempted murder against a 16-year-old boy following an incident in Sittingbourne in which a teenage girl sustained serious injuries.

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation after officers were called to a field off of Highsted Road, Sittingbourne shortly before 8am on Thursday, 22 July 2021 where a 16-year-old girl had been found with serious injuries consistent with stab wounds. She is currently being treated in a London hospital.

A 16-year-old boy, who is known to the victim, was arrested in connection with the incident.

The boy, who cannot be named, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 26 July. He has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on 23 August.

Can you help?

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have information, especially those who were walking in the area between 11pm on Wednesday 21 July and 3am on Thursday 22 July. They are also keen to hear from anyone who owns CCTV, or dash camera footage, recorded in the vicinity.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: ‘We are still appealing for the public to come forward with any information they may have which can assist in this investigation.

'We are keen to piece together the victim's last known movements and would urge anyone who has any information to make contact.’

Members of the public will see an increased presence in the area while enquiries at the scene take place.

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference 22-0255 or alternatively online via the Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form available via this link.