Tributes have been paid to a young father who died at the weekend after he was stabbed on New Year's Day.

Police launched a murder investigation after devoted father-of-two David Young, of Beatty Avenue, Gillingham, passed away on Saturday.

The 28-year-old had been in intensive care since he was stabbed in the thigh in a fracas in Windmill Road, Gillingham.

Friends have been paying tribute to the builder - and have donated hundreds of pounds to a fund set up to help his family.

In a tribute, Ollie Cotton said: "You were one in a million."

Police were called to the scene at about 2.50am on January 1 when a fight broke out between about seven people.

Mr Young had been walking home with friends from a night out at the Casino Rooms in Rochester, when a fracas broke out. He died at Medway Maritime Hospital on Saturday.

A friend of the former Robert Napier School pupil has set up an online fundraising page to help his partner Kirsty Bryant and their two daughters cope financially.

The kind-hearted gesture was made by childhood friend Matthew Griffin and by yesterday afternoon the figure was close to £2,000.

Police cordon off Windmill Road, in Gillingham, after the stabbing

Hundreds of people have been paying tribute to the young dad online.

Victoria Dixon wrote: "RIP Dave wicked bloke, all our love goes out to Kirsty, girls and family love Steve, Vicki, Kai, Lilly and trilby Dixon.”

Melanie Collins said: "Taken far too soon, Thinking of your family and your beautiful girls. RIP Dave."

Two teenagers have appeared in court and been remanded in custody in connection with the stabbing. Stuart Porter, 18, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named, appeared before magistrates in Medway on Thursday before Mr Young died. Both are accused of grievous harm with intent.

Porter, of Buttermere Close, Gillingham, and the 17-year-old from Strood, were remanded in custody until their next court appearance, which will be at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

For more tributes to David Young, pick up a copy of today's Medway Messenger.