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Roy Blackman 'murder': Man arrested in Maidstone as police search Sutton Valence business park

By: Ed McConnell emcconnell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:00, 24 March 2016

Updated: 12:29, 24 March 2016

Police this morning descended on an abandoned business park as a murder investigation entered its fourth day.

Officers swooped on Sutton Valence as a 49-year-old man from Maidstone continued to be quizzed over the death of pensioner Roy Blackman.

The 73-year-old mechanic was bludgeoned to death at his home in Headcorn Road, near Biddenden, in the early hours of Monday during a violent burglary.

Police at the scene
Roy Blackman was bludgeoned to death
Police on the scene at Heartsay Bungalow, Biddenden after the discovery of Roy Blackman's body

The suspect was arrested in the Maidstone area last night on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

Officers descended on the derelict Valedene Industrial Park, six miles from Mr Blackman's home in another part of Headcorn Road, this morning.

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Around 10 police cars and vans blocked the entrance and officers were seen removing items from the site.

Police in Sutton Valence

A police spokesman confirmed the search was linked to the murder investigation but was unable to give any more details.

The plot and adjoining Greentops bungalow are set for development, with an application to build six homes on the land passed last year.

A neighbour said the house had been destroyed by fire some years ago and caravans have since moved on to the site.

Police have been at the derelict Valedene Business Park since this morning

Detectives have also released a picture of a heavy duty cabinet resembling the one taken from Mr Blackman's address.

The cabinet is mustard in colour, 5ft tall and metal. It is yet to be found.

The safe is described as a heavy duty cabinet. A picture of a similar cabinet.

Officers continue to appeal for information and are asking anyone who may have seen anything from 7.30pm on Sunday to Monday morning between Weeks Lane and Frittenden Road to contact them on 01303 289600.

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