DETECTIVES investigating the death of a 42-year-old man are awaiting the results of tests to establish if he was murdered.

The man died in hospital on Wednesday, four days after being found unconscious in the car park of the Bird in Hand public house in Stockett Lane, Coxheath, near Maidstone.

The man, who was single, is understood to have lived locally. He has not yet been named.

Door to door enquiries by police failed to confirm what happened to the man, although it is believed he may have been assaulted. Neighbours reported seeing glass shattered near where the man fell.

Five people have been questioned by police following reports of a disturbance outside the pub shortly before the man's body was found. All have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A spokeswoman for Maidstone and Malling Police said that while officers believe there had been some sort of assualt all options about how the man died were being kept open.

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone inside the pub, in the beer garden or in the carpark between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday, July 24.

They also want to hear from anyone driving in the Heath Road and Stockett Lane areas of Coxheath between the same times or anyone visiting local shops.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Maidstone and Malling Police on 01622 608189 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.