NEIGHBOURS of an 18-year-old art student murdered and dumped in an alleyway after a night out have spoken of their sorrow.

The bloodied body of Natalie Janiak was discovered in Wilmington, near Dartford, early on Saturday morning.

Following the news of the tragedy, neighbours and friends rallied around to support her mother Halina at the family home in Humber Road, Westcombe Park.

Jean and George Penfold, who live next door, said they were devastated by the news of Natalie's death.

Jean, 70, said: "She was such a quiet, lovely girl. When the police arrived, we assumed there had been a nasty burglary. Then they told us what had happened, and we were so upset, but also worried for Halina.

"Our grandchildren used to play with Natalie when they came to stay. They were very close.

George, 72, added: "We're all so concerned for Halina. She is in a terrible state. Natalie was her only child."

Jimmy Jackaman, who lives opposite the scene of the gruesome discovery in Wilmington, called the police after a dog walker raised the alarm.

He explained: "This man was saying, Call the police, I've found a dead body in the alleyway'. I couldn't believe it.

"I looked outside and saw a young girl with ginger hair lying on her back. She had blood coming out of her nose and there were purple bruises around her cheeks and mouth."

Natalie was dressed in a white cardigan and a lilac sparkly top, with black trousers and boots, and had shoulder-length, curly auburn hair.

Kent police have launched a murder investigation after a post-mortem examination confirmed the Christ the King College student had been strangled to death.

Deputy principle at the college Jane Overbury told the News Shopper fellow pupils would be devastated by the news of the loss.

She said: "Natalie was so popular and we are arranging for the college chaplain to hold counselling sessions for those who need them when they return from half-term.

"Natalie's tutors were always impressed by her work and felt she had a great future ahead of her. We are all so shocked."

Two men were arrested on Sunday and as we went to press were being held in Gravesend and Tonbridge.

Police have offered a reward for information and would like to speak to anyone who saw her in and around Blackheath on Friday night.

Call 01322 280055 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.