Five charged in connection with murder of man of Albanian heritage found stabbed

FIVE people have been charged in connection with the murder of a man found dead with stab wounds in the early hours of Saturday.

Xhovan Pepaj, (above) 25, of Albanian heritage, was found dead in Caley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, at around 3.15am on Saturday, December 4.

He suffered multiple injuries consistent with stab wounds following the early morning incident.

Seven people were arrested, with Ciaran Stewart, 18, of Curtis Road, Hornchurch and a 17-year-old boy from Ilford charged with murder on Tuesday, December 7.

The teenagers were also charged with conspiring to commit robbery and appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court the following day.

On Wednesday, December 8, officers also charged Donte Simpson-Palmer, 18, of Norfolk Road, Ilford, Mohammed Miah, 25, of Highfield Road, Romford and Nathan Turner, 28, of Myrtle Road, Brentwood with conspiracy to commit robbery.

Turner was further charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

All three men were to remanded to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court today.

Two other suspects arrested in connection with the investigation, a 41-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, remain on police bail pending further enquiries.

A post-mortem examination has taken place and the victim’s next of kin have been informed.

Tributes have been paid to Xhovan on social media. One friend wrote: "May your soul rest in peace, our friend and brother."

Another added: "Condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace."

A third man commented: "Unbelievable. Sincere condolences to the family and relatives. Christ put him in his paradise." Police have appealed to the public for help with their inquiries and particularly want to see any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that may have been captured around the time of the offence.

Anyone with information should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 04-0191.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.