by Hayley Robinson and Helen Geraghty
The family of a former teacher who believed he had died after an accident on a south Indian Ocean island have been left reeling by the news that he was murdered.

Andy Davies, 52 and his wife Maria, had been told their son Carl had fallen to his death in a tragic accident on Reunion Island on November 9.

However, a week later police gave them the devastating news that an autopsy had revealed the 33-year-old had suffered a stab wound to his stomach and a violent blow to the head.

Speaking exclusively to the Kent Messenger, Andy Davies, who moved to Harrietsham with his wife six months ago, said: “He may have been a big strapping lad but he was still our baby.

"For the rest of my family I’ve got to stay strong. It’s been difficult suppressing your anger and grief but I’ve got to stay strong.”

Reunion Island police chief, Commissaire Frédéric Pech, confirmed his officers had launched a murder hunt.

A full version of this story appears in today's Kent Messenger