The government has refused to intervene in the case of murdered Kent man Carl Davies.

More than 10,000 people had signed a petition calling for British government to raise the issue with the French authorities.

But the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) today issued a statement dashing his family's hopes.

The response to the petition, which generated more than 10,700 signatures, said ministers and officials do not interfere with the judicial processes of another country.

Former Royal Marine Carl Davies, who worked in Sittingbourne and on the Isle of Sheppey - and whose family used to live in Harrietsham - was found on the south Indian Ocean island of Reunion in November 2011.

The response from the FCO said: "Carl Davies’ murderer was found guilty in June 2017 and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

"He has appealed. Therefore, it is not appropriate to raise this case with the French authorities

"The French authorities on the island of La Reunion arrested and charged a French national with Carl’s murder.

"The accused stood trial, was found guilty in June 2017 and has been sentenced.

"He is currently appealing the sentence.

"As HMG does not interfere in the judicial processes of another country, it would not be appropriate to raise this case with the French government" - The Foreign Office

"Foreign Office officials have followed this case closely, and will do so during the ongoing appeal process. We have offered Mr Davies’ family support since his murder in 2011 and do so until the case has concluded."

A spokesman added an investigation, trial and appeal process are currently being conducted through French law.

"As HMG does not interfere in the judicial processes of another country, it would not be appropriate to raise this case with the French government," they added.

The petition was originally set up to address concerns over the time it has taken for Carl's family to get 'justice'.

It said: "In 2011 a former Royal Marine working in Maritime Security called Carl Davies was murdered on the French Island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean.

"The Reunion authorities have still to date not brought Carl's murderers to justice and the family need some form of closure regarding the death of Carl."