A murder investigation has been launched after an elderly man was found dead.

Two people have been arrested after police were called to Mercury Close in Borstal, near Rochester, at 7.50am where a 71-year-old was confirmed deceased at the scene.

An investigation is being led by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

At 8.30am, a 27-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody.

The victim’s next of kin has been informed.

Police are still patrolling the area, with two police cars and two forensic vans at the scene.

A property along the residential road has also been cordoned off.

Shocked neighbours came out of their houses and were chatting to each other in disbelief as the horror of this morning’s incident unfurled.

Those who KentOnline spoke to said they did not know the identity of the 71-year-old victim.

Phil, a resident who lives nearby, said: “The first I knew of anything was when I heard the police banging down the door.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said she had lived there for 10 years and nothing like this had ever happened before.

She added: “I went out to do the school run and within five minutes from when I returned there were five police cars and ambulances everywhere.

“It is sickening. He is an old man. That could be someone’s grandad.”

Many residents remained outside this evening watching as police and forensics continued their investigation.