A man in his 20s from Hoo has appeared in court charged with the murder of Peter Beale.

The man - who cannot be named for legal reasons - appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court this morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address before the case was sent to crown court.

He will appear there on Tuesday, October 2.

Sittingbourne resident Mr Beale was found dead 11 days ago next to Rochester bridge with stab wounds.

A man in his 30s was arrested the following day and released without charge.

Four men, a woman and a teenage girl have since been arrested and released pending further inquiries.