The boyfriend of a 23-year-old student who had her throat slit as she screamed for help in a busy shopping centre car park has been charged with her murder.
Joshua Stimpson, 25, was arrested at the scene, after witnesses saw University of Kent student Molly McLaren being savagely attacked at the Dockside outlet centre in Chatham, Kent yesterday.
Miss McLaren was sitting in the passenger seat of a black Citroen C1 when she was attacked around 11am.
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She was trapped in her car by her attacker before her throat was slashed as she beeped her horn and screamed for help, witnesses claimed.
Eyewitness, Michelle Hextall, told The Express: "The woman was screaming and bibbing the horn to get attention.
Miss McLaren and Mr Stimpson verified their relationship on Facebook in December. (Credit: Facebook)
"Another shopper blocked the car in so he couldn't escape. [The] 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."
Mr Stimpson has been remanded in custody and will appear at Medway Magistrates' Court on June 30.
A police spokeman said: "A woman in her 20s had sustained injuries consistent with a stabbing and died at the scene.
Mr Stimpson has been charged with Miss McLaren's murder. (Credit: Facebook)
"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."
Miss McLaren was a Sport and Exercise for Health student at the University of Kent.
Friends have been paying tribute to Miss McLaren on social media today.
Natalie Rose Woods said: "Yesterday I was given the news that you [Molly] had 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' he 'had the pleasure of knowing'.
Featured Image Credit: FacebookTopics: Murder