Seventh released without charge after body found

The seventh of eight men arrested as part of an investigation into the killing of a pensioner in his own home has been released without charge.

The 52-year-old Tenterden man was stopped on the A28 Tenterden Road in April and taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender following the discovery of Roy Blackman’s body in Biddenden in March.

On Monday he was released without charge.

Mr Blackman, a 73-year-old rare bird breeder and mechanic, is alleged to have been beaten to death during a burglary at Heartsay Bungalow, Headcorn Road.

Earlier this month four men arrested on suspicion of murder had their bail extended until Thursday.

A fifth man arrested at Aylesham on suspicion of assisting an offender and handling stolen goods was released without charge.

In May, William ‘Curly Bill’ Smith, also arrested on suspicion of murder, was shot dead by police and last month Mark Love, 37, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, denied murder and aggravated burglary when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01303 289600.