Police have recovered an air rifle at the heart of a murder investigation.

It comes after officers launched an appeal to find a high-powered air rifle believed to have been taken from the home of Roy Blackman, the Biddenden pensioner found murdered in his home three weeks ago.

Officers have declined to say where the firearm was found.

One man has been charged with the murder of Mr Blackman. Another five men who have been arrested have been released on police bail.

On Sunday, Mark Love, 37, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst was remanded in custody by magistrates to appear at Maidstone Crown Court to answer the murder charge on Friday, May 6.