First pictures of Joshua Stimpson, 25, charged with murder of student Molly McLaren who ‘had throat slit in car in Kent shopping centre car park’
Suspect will appear in court today charged with the murder of Molly McLaren
THIS is the first picture of the man accused of slitting Molly McLaren's throat in a shopping centre car park.
Joshua Stimpson, 25, of Rochester, has been charged with murder and appeared in court this afternoon, where he spoke only to confirm his name and address.
Stimpson had been in relationship with student Miss McLaren, but it is understood that it had ended.
He was remanded in custody today and will appear in Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.
Witnesses have said the victim, who was also a fitness blogger, was attacked while she desperately beeped the horn of the car she had been locked in, yesterday morning.
On the morning of the attack she had posted a picture of herself enjoying a coffee with the message: "Powered by coffee! Fully enrolled, so it's time to switch the brain on today. Oh anatomy how I've missed you."
She ended the post with hashtags including "#positivevibes", "#loveyourself", "#newjourney", "#confidence" and "#work hard".
Miss McLaren was a Sport and Exercise for Health student at the University of Kent.
She was an animal lover who aspired to promote and advise people about health, fitness and well-being.
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The Dockside Centre in Chatham, Kent, was on lockdown following the horror scenes, which ended as police arrested a man who witnesses said was covered in blood.
Police have said Miss McLaren suffered injuries "consistent with a stabbing and died at the scene", as well as confirming that the suspect and victim were known to one another.
Kent Police have reported themselves to the force watchdog in relation to reports made by the victim about the suspect.
Friends have been paying tribute to Miss McLaren on social media today.
Natalie Rose Woods said: "Yesterday I was given the news that you'd been tragically taken away from us: I'm reminiscing the times I'd get you into Blakes and you'd dance the night away!
"Thanks for the fitness tips you gave me and inspiration you gave me to keep going with it.
"You were taken too soon Mol Maccerz and I cannot quite believe it! Rest in peace princess you were truly beautiful."
Craig Shapes Hayward described Miss McLaren as "one of the most positive people I had the pleasure of knowing" while Josh Dean Page said he would remember "20 years of memories and friendship forever".
The University of Kent has also released a statement. A spokesperson said: "The University of Kent offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Molly McLaren following her sudden death yesterday. She was a popular student in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
"Fellow students and staff are being offered any counselling they require at this difficult time."
Eyewitness, Michelle Hextall, told : "The woman was screaming and bibbing the horn to get attention.
"Another shopper blocked the car in so he couldn't escape. Attacker was then put into police van. Didn't appear to resist arrest."
Michelle added: "I'm a bit shaken by what I've just seen. The attacker was leaning on the bonnet of police car in front. His hands were covered in blood up to his elbows. Blood on T-shirt."
Kent Police said today: "Officers investigating the death of a woman in Chatham have charged a 25-year-old man with murder.
"Kent Police was called to a serious assault in the dockside area of Maritime Way at 11.03am on Thursday 29 June 2017.
"A woman in her 20s had sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing and died at the scene.
"Joshua Stimpson, 25 and of High Street in Wouldham, Rochester, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
"On the afternoon of Friday 30 June 2017, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate charged him with the murder of Molly McLaren.
"He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on the afternoon of Friday 30 June 2017."
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