Murder inquiry after race attack

The 24-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital early on Thursday

A murder inquiry has been launched after a man, badly beaten in a racist attack in Ashford, died in hospital.

Sri Lankan Bapishankar Kathirgamanathan had been walking with a friend across a footbridge at Victoria Road on 22 April when he was attacked.

The 24-year-old was taken to hospital where his condition remained critical but his death was revealed on Thursday.

Two Ashford men were arrested on 23 April but were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Kathirgamanathan was treated for head injuries after the attack, which police said was believed to be racially motivated.

Appealing for witnesses, Det Ch Insp Anne Brittain, leading the inquiry, said: "This was a very nasty attack and it is tragic that Mr Kathirgamanathan has died.

"We are committed to bringing the person or people responsible for his murder to justice."