A murder hunt detective has revealed how vital time was lost in investigating the killing of Gus Allman when three of his pals refused to answer questions.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Vinson claimed Dean Alford, 20, of Walden Hall, Canterbury, Malech Marshall,18, of New Cross, and Michael Williams, 20, of East Dulwich, had colluded in a cover up.

In a statement read to the jury at Canterbury Crown Court, the officer claimed that as a result vital forensic evidence was probably destroyed.

Following the incident in London Street, Folkestone, Timothy Avril, 20, one of the alleged killers was able to leave town. He has denied murder.

DCI Vinson added:"If we had information sooner there is the possibility we could have located those responsible, the murder weapons, and clothes worn by them."

Initially on February 19 police searched the Dover Road area of Folkestone until Marshall pointed out the scene of the crime.

The DCI said: "It was a complete waste of police resources."

Two days later Police raided 20 London Street where the killing took place.

Williams is alleged to have told police they colluded because Dean Alford wasn't allowed to associate with Gus Allman who had recently been released from prison.

When police arrived they were met by Damien Daley, 39, who has also pleaded not guilty to murder.

Officers found traces of Mr Allman's blood on walls in Flat two and in Flat three where a blood-stained duvet was discovered.

The Crown has alleged that Daley's girlfriend Laura Smith, 27, tried to get rid of the stains.

She has denied perverting the course of justice.

Williams told police he was asleep during most of the incident.

Mr Allman was stabbed seven times after he went into the four storey house.

Alford and Marshall have admitted perverting the course of justice.

The case continues.

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