Three men questioned in connection with the murder of a leading archaeologist have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The trio were arrested on Friday morning and bailed yesterday afternoon.

Andrew Cresswell, 51, who was one of the country's leading aviation archaeologists, was found dead at a cafe he owned at Pivington Mill, near Pluckley, last Tuesday morning.

He suffered a blow to the head with a weapon.

Mr Cresswell, who also lived at the site, was last seen in Ashford at about 3.45pm last Monday, the day before his body was found.

Colleagues working at the Pivington Mill industrial estate described Mr Cresswell him as a “friend to everybody.”

His murder has shocked fellow aviation enthusiasts at Headcorn Aerodrome, where he was an avid supporter of its warfare museum.

When police examining the crime scene and his mobile home found hand grenades and other World War I memorabilia, they called in the bomb squad.

• Police investigating the murder are appealing to anyone with information to contact the incident room on 01303 289600.

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