This is the first picture the man accused of slitting Molly McLaren’s throat in a busy shopping centre car park.

Joshua Stimpson, 25, of Rochester, has been charged with murder after the young woman died following the alleged daylight attack.

Horrified shoppers told how they heard shouting and commotion, while others described seeing lots of blood in the Dockside Outlet Centre car park in Chatham, Kent on Thursday morning.

Molly, a University of Kent student aged in her 20s, died at the scene after suffering what police said were “injuries consistent with a stabbing.”

Police added that the suspect and victim were known to one another.

There has been an outpouring of tributes to Molly on social media.

Beth Power said: “Can't believe Molly is no longer with us! Heart broken to hear!! You are such a bubbly beautiful girl.”

Another Twitter user added: I can't believe what I have just read. Most loveliest down to earth girl I've met, heart of gold. Gone too soon.Rip Molly Mclaren."

A Kent Police spokesman said: “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.

“He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on the afternoon of Friday June 30 2017.

“The victim and the suspect were known to each other and enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

“As part of officers’ on-going enquires, any previous reports made by the victim to Kent Police regarding the suspect will form part of the murder investigation.

“Kent Police has referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and they will determine whether there is a requirement for them to investigate.”