Gosport: Murder probe victim's family releases tribute

Levi Kent's family say his life was "finally on the up" before his death

The family of a 22-year-old at the centre of a murder investigation have said he will be "forever loved".

Levi Kent died after police found him seriously injured on Keyes Road, Gosport, shortly after 02:30 GMT on Friday.

Four people have been charged over his death and the investigation is ongoing.

In a tribute, his mother described him as a "kind, caring and funny man" and said he was known in the Gosport area as a "Gentle Ginger Giant".

His four sisters, brother and mother Tammy said their loss had left them "truly broken".

In a statement, the family described the hurdles he had experienced growing up, citing "years of childhood trauma and tragedy".

It read: "Levi attended most schools in Gosport as he struggled to adhere to the school rules.

"However, at each school, there was always a teacher ready to take him under their wing."

The family said Mr Kent had recently completed a building course at Fareham College's Civil Engineering Training Centre and had "really started to find his way".

They went on: "His life was finally on the up, working hard and partying harder, Levi would talk to anyone and make new friends everywhere he went, trusting and supporting anyone in any way."

Detectives were called to Keyes Road on Friday

Four people have been charged with different offences following Mr Kent's death.

Tommy West, 18, of Fisgard Road, and Aiden West, 24, of Tudor Close, Gosport, were both charged with murder, robbery and possession of a bladed article.

They are due to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday.

Sarah Flynn, 35, of James Close, Gosport, was charged with assisting an offender.

Joanne West, 45, of no fixed address in Fareham, was charged with two offences of assisting an offender.

They were both due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Police have made four other arrests as part of the investigation:

• A 19-year-old man, from Gosport, arrested on suspicion of murder on 24 November has been released on police bail until 24 February

• A 67-year-old man, from Salisbury, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on police bail until 25 February

• A 22-year-old man, from Fareham, arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on police bail until 25 February

• A 35-year-old man, from Fareham, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has since been released without charge

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