A self proclaimed bomb disposal expert who was arrested before police and army personnel spent four days searching his home has been released without charge.

Mike Barker was arrested on suspicion of making threats to cause criminal damage and harassment at his Dunton Green home last month.

The 74-year-old, who ran as an Independent candidate in the Rochester and Strood by-election, has today been released and has had his bail cancelled.

A Kent Police spokesman said Mr Barker, who arrived to the by-election count dressed as Father Christmas, is no longer being investigated.

A court case against Mr Barker, brought around after he failed to comply with a council notice requiring him to clean up his home, was also dropped earlier this month.

His property, in London Road, was at the centre of a council dispute for nearly five years.

He was served a notice by the authority in 2014 asking him to clear the site of debris, but failed to do so.

The pensioner was summoned to Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court this month but did not appear as the case was discontinued by the council.

Police, firefighters and army personnel descended on the London Road property earlier this month and spent four days searching.

Piles of paperwork, household items - including tumble dryers - and a number of animal cages were seen being removed.

The reason for the search remains unknown, but police insist Mr Barker is no longer under investigation.