A man accused of murder after a body was found near a bridge can now be named.

Billy Dole, of Chorister Crescent, Hoo, is jointly charged with Levi Webb, of Station Road, Northfleet.

An order had previously prevented publication of 28-year-old Dole’s name, but it was lifted today at Maidstone Crown Court when Webb, 21, appeared by TV link with Elmley Prison.

Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain said the order related to the timing of Webb’s arrest.

He and Dole are alleged to have killed Peter Beale, 39, from Sittingbourne, whose body was next to Rochester bridge on Tuesday, September 18. He died from stab wounds.

Dole and Webb have been remanded in custody and will enter pleas on October 30. A preliminary trial date has been set for March 18 next year.

Mr Hossain added that no others are likely to be charged in relation to the alleged murder.