Murder case police get more time

Michael (left) and his brother David were out with their girlfriends

Police have been given extra time to question two teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after a violent attack on a 16-year-old boy in Kent.

The man, aged 18, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on Saturday, the day after Michael Chapman died near Gore Court Cricket Club in Sittingbourne.

On Monday, Sittingbourne magistrates granted police another 33 hours to continue questioning them.

Police said the motive for the attack on Michael was a "complete mystery".

Det Supt Lee Catling said it was not a mugging or robbery.

"He's been here with his brother, with his girlfriend, and they've just been doing their normal business, socialising," he said.

Please just find the people that did this to my son Sue Chapman

"They've decided to walk home on their normal route and they've been set upon."

A post-mortem examination showed no weapon was used.

Michael's headmaster at The Westlands School, Jonathan Whitcombe, said he was a quiet and reserved boy who was well liked by teachers and fellow pupils.

He had been sitting his GCSEs, with two exams left to go.

Pupils were told of the tragedy on Monday, and Mr Whitcombe said they had "reacted with a spirit of dignity and quiet reflection".

Close-knit family

"We attempted to explain that these things are thankfully rare occurrences, but if they do have any concerns at all there are people here at the school who they can talk to who will offer them whatever support and guidance is necessary," he said.

"Michael came from a close-knit and supportive family.

"At this time, all of our thoughts are with the Chapman family."

Michael, who lived in Bobbing, was attacked on Friday night while he was out with his 18-year-old brother David and their girlfriends.

They spent time outside the cricket club, in Key Street, a popular meeting place for young people, then moved on to a more isolated playing field behind the club on the way to the brothers' home.

Floral tributes have been laid at the scene of Michael's death

Chief Constable Mike Fuller visited the scene of Michael's death on Monday.

He said: "Any attack on a young person is really shocking [and] I know the impact this has had on the whole community."

Speaking from the spot where her son died, where dozens of floral tributes were laid, Sue Chapman said: "Michael was a wonderful 16-year-old - loving, thoughtful, happy, cheerful."

The 40-year-old nurse added: "Please just find the people that did this to my son and David's brother, that's all we ask for."

David, 18, said that Michael was a "great brother".

Officers are manning a mobile police station at the scene for people to speak to officers if they have any information.