MURDER squad detectives have named a young man who died in hospital hours after being shot at his home in a Kent town.

The family of 24-year-old Ben Chantler, of Denmark Street, Folkestone, say they are totally devastated by what happened.

Mr Chantler died from gunshot wounds at the the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford on Monday.

In a short statement, issued through Kent Police, the family added: "We will miss Ben very much."

Detectives have taken the unusual step of releasing the identity and photograph of a man they wish to talk to in connection with the fatal shooting.

They want to trace 25-year-old Stuart Benson, a white man, around 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. He has blue eyes, cropped fair hair and a horizontal scar over his right eyebrow. He speaks with a gruff voice and was last seen wearing dark clothing.

A police spokesman stressed: "It is important that no-one attempts to approach Mr Benson as he is considered dangerous and could be at risk to both himself and others."

Det Supt Paul Gladstone said: "We urgently need to talk to Mr Benson and would appeal to him to contact us.

"If anyone has seen a man matching his description or photograph or knows of his whereabouts we would ask them to call us immediately by dialling 999 and asking for police or contacting Kent Police on 01622 690690.

"I cannot stress enough that under no circumstances should Mr Benson be approached by anyone as he may present a danger to himself or others."

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where details can be left anonymously.