A MURDER investigation has been launched after a 74-year-old man died after being seriously hurt in a hammer attack at his Kent home.

Albert Bishop suffered serious head injuries in the attack at his home in Hythe Road, Ashford, on March 18.

He recovered sufficiently to return home from hospital, but broke his hip in a fall on June 30 and subsequently died on July 13.

A pathologist ruled that Mr Bishop had not recovered from the attack and therefore his death should be treated as murder.

On Sunday, March 18, Mr Bishop had been helping at a grocery stall at Ashford Market. He was attacked by a man wielding a ball pein hammer after returning home at around noon.

His daughter found him seriously injured when she came into the house minutes later.

At the time, Mr Bishop was only able to tell detectives that his attacker had been a white male. Police say they now know the attacker stole a large quantity of cash and left the house carrying a blue holdall.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw Mr Bishop that morning. They also want to hear from anyone who had bought cigarettes from him - he sold cigarettes at Ashford Market and in local pubs.

Det Insp Lee Whitehead said: "The initial attack was treated as an attempted murder. We are now dealing with a murder.

"At the time of the attack people were leaving the church opposite his house, and there is also a bus stop outside the house.

"If anyone remembers buying packets of cigarettes with the distinctive packaging we would like to speak to them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01303 289600 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.