Four men arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a pensioner during a violent burglary have had their bail extended.

They are a 41-year-old and a 49-year-old, both of Maidstone, a 36-year-old from Golford, near Cranbrook, and a 32-year-old of Ashford who were arrested following the death of Roy Blackman, 73, during a burglary at his Biddenden bungalow in March.

Their bail has been extended until Thursday, July 28.

A fifth man arrested at Aylesham on suspicion of assisting an offender and handling stolen goods has been released without charge.

A sixth man, William ‘Curly Bill’ Smith, also arrested on suspicion of murder at Golford and bailed until last Friday, was shot dead by police in May.

In total eight men have been arrested as part of the investigation.

A 52-year-old Tenterden man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been bailed until Monday, July 18.

Last month Mark Love, of Staplehurst, denied murder and aggravated burglary when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

The 37-year-old, from Frittenden Road, is charged with killing Mr Blackman and separately stealing thousands of pounds in cash, two shotguns, 300 cartridges, a credit card, four trophies, a watch, a Toyota Hilux car, a pair of binoculars, pigeon shooting accessories and four jackets from a property in Rye belonging to George Digweed, MBE, world champion clay pigeon shooter.

Love is alleged to have armed himself with a hammer and taser during the burglary and will stand trial in September. Aggravated burglary charges against William Smith for the same incident were dropped following his death.

A safe stolen during the incident at the mechanic and bird breeder’s Headcorn Road home remains missing.

Detectives continue to appeal for any information regarding the whereabouts of the 5ft tall mustard-coloured cabinet.

Anyone who saw a gang of workmen near the property in the hours before Mr Blackman’s death in the early hours of Monday, March 21, is also asked to call 01303 289600.