A 66-year-old alleged murder victim has been named for the first time.

Derek O’Hare was found with multiple injuries at a property in Anstee Road, Dover, just after 10pm on Monday, December 11, and was declared dead at the scene.

This morning, Ajay Porter, made his first appearance at Maidstone Crown Court, charged with his murder.

Porter, 36, of Oswold Road, Dover, spoke only twice to confirm his name and to tell Judge Julian Smith he understood the proceedings.

Defence barrister Danny Moore said there would be no application for bail at this time and no plea was indicated.

Porter, also charged with possession of a bladed article in a public place, is next due at Canterbury Crown Court on March 4, where he is expected to enter pleas.

Judge Smith set a preliminary trial date for June, which is expected to be conducted by resident judge, Simon James.

Police were first called to a disturbance on the night of December 11. Anstee Road was cordoned off for several days following, as detectives from Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation, treating the death as suspicious.

Two days on from the death, a heavy police presence was still in the area, with at least nine police vehicles spotted.

Anstee Road has been described as a usually quiet street, but the calm was disturbed by the presence of forensic officers and police vans.

Speaking to KentOnline on Wednesday, Deanne Strain, who lives nearby, said: “This is usually a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood so you don't expect this sort of thing here. I usually feel safe living here."

And when asked if the area is normally peaceful, Roy West, who lives in the neighbourhood, said: “Yes very. There are retirement flats up there, so I would imagine no one goes up there really.”