A HUGE police operation was continuing today following the murder of an elderly married couple at their home.

The bodies of the couple were discovered at their home in Abbey Street, Faversham, by a member of the family at around 8.45am on Wednesday.

The victims, both in their 70s, have been named by neighbours as Vera and Terry Martin who had lived in the street for decades.

The area around the scene has been cordoned off and an incident room has been set up at Faversham Police Station.

Forensic officers, scenes of crime officers, a Home Office pathologist, together with other experts have been at the house as part of the investigation.

Detectives urgently want anyone with any information about anyone or anything suspicious in the Abbey Street area to contact Kent Police on an Incident Room Hotline Number: 01622 654 860.

Alternatively anyone with any information can contact Kent Police on 01622 690 690 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The couple owned a Daihatsu car which was found burned out at the rear of Bretts, off Bysingwood Road, Faversham at around 6pm on Monday.

Det Chief Inspector Dean Barnes said: “We are following a number of lines of enquiry but we are urgently appealing for help from anyone who may have seen the couple anytime from 6am on Saturday, 21 January onwards in or around their home at 17 Abbey Street.

"We would also urge members of the public who know anyone who has been acting suspiciously since 21 January to contact us. They may have information which can help with our enquiries.

"Whilst crimes of this type are rare in Kent, we are doing everything we can to ensure those responsible, or the person responsible, is identified.

"A considerable number of officers are working on this investigation and we are briefing local officers to help assist with lines of enquiries."