The Chislehurst community has reacted with shock after an 18-year-old man died following a fight.

Police found the victim in Empress Drive just after 9pm on Tuesday (January 9).

A man, 18, was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday (January 10).

Yesterday's story - Chislehurst murder: Arrest made after 18-year-old dies in 'fight'

Laura Gale, 32, grew up in Chislehurst her whole life and regularly uses the alleyway in Empress Drive which was closed off after the murder.

The alleyway leads to Chislehurst Recreation Ground.

She told News Shopper: "I have a two-year-old boy and my friend has young children and we walk through the alleyway to take them to the park.

"I recognised it from the article. Chislehurst used to be an area of prestige with nice residents.

"It comes across as a shock that even the lovely villages such as this don't seem safe anymore. Everywhere is becoming dangerous and it is very sad.

"Chislehurst shouldn't be like that. That is the shock of it, there are good schools, lovely families and good children here. Chislehurst never had the reputation of other places in south-east London.

"That is what makes this more realistic and scary when young kids get killed.

"It is very disappointing. I don't really want to walk my two-year-old down there. I'm now worried about my nephew who gets off the bus through Chislehurst to get to school. If he gets in an argument and he gets in the cross-line of a fight."

One witness told News Shopper the alleyway in Empress Drive is "dangerous and pitch black" and someone once tried to mug her son there.

A member of the volunteer group Chislehurst Town said: "We are so saddened to hear this awful news in Chislehurst. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

They also confirmed that police were now doing more patrols in the area as a result. 

Clive Richardson, who has lived in Bromley for over 70 years, said the alleyway had become "a focal point for youngsters". 

He told News Shopper: "The people in Chislehurst have not changed much over the years but what has changed is the street lighting about four years ago. 

"These pin point lights are environmentally friendly but they don't give enough light. They have a lower intensity unless you are standing directly beneath. 

"If you drive you need your full beams on. In the old days you could see where you were walking and driving. These lights add to the risk for the population.

"Empress Drive is a quiet backstreet. I'm not saying the youngsters who gather there are bad but they do gather there."

MP Bob Neill also took to social media to express his reaction to the "terribly sad news".

He told News Shopper: "Chislehurst is normally a very safe area. It is a real tragedy for the family involved. We are shocked. 

"I want to send condolences to the young persons family. 

"Obviously this is a matter of concern. I have been in touch with the police and they are putting lots of resources into the case. I hope this reasures people. 

"There are occassional incidents of anti-social behaviour on the same road and the alleyway that leads to the Sainsbury's. 

"But there has never been anything of this kind before."

The MP also said residents had expressed concern about lighting. He said he has contacted Bromley Council about this. 

He advised anyone with information to get in touch with the police. 

Conservative councillor for Chislehurst Ian Payne said: "I just think it is very sad."

News Shopper has contacted more residents and councillors and we will be updating this article with more reaction throughout the day.