by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

The police are trying to find out more about the death of pensioner Barrie Buxton whose body was found next to the River Thames in Northfleet.

Officers are trying to establish where Mr Buxton, 69, of Ebbsfleet Walk, was in the days prior to his body being found two weeks ago.

He was a well-known face in Gravesham and regularly used the bus to get from The Hive in Northfleet to Gravesend or Swanscombe.

He was also a prolific writer to the Messenger newspapers.

DI Ivan Beasley, from Kent Police, said: "We are trying to build a picture of Mr Buxton’s movements in the days leading up to his death. Anyone who may have seen him on Tuesday, May 15, or the morning of Wednesday. May 16, please contact us.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious but we are continuing our investigations in order to establish exactly what happened.

"It is also important Mr Buxton’s family have a clear picture as to the circumstances leading to his death.’

Mr Buxton was stocky, 5ft 9in, with medium length grey hair and on the day he died was wearing a royal blue cotton shirt, a navy blue cardigan, a brown jacket, grey trousers and brown shoes. He always wore a tie and used a walking stick.

He was found by a member of the public on Wednesday, May 16, at 2.30pm on a small beach beside a jetty backing onto The Shore.

Anyone with information can contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference KP-20120516-0780.