A man accused of murder after a body was found near a bridge has appeared in court today.

The man, who cannot be identified at present for legal reasons, is alleged to have killed father-of-one Peter Beale, 39, from Sittingbourne.

He was found with stab wounds next to Rochester bridge on Tuesday, September 18.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt, the man, who is in his 20s, spoke only to confirm his name at Maidstone Crown Court.

He will enter a plea on October 30. A preliminary trial date was set for March 18 next year. He was remanded in custody.

James Martin, defending, told Judge Philip Statman: “There are a number of other potential defendants.”

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

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