DETECTIVES investigating the death of a 46-year-old man following a blaze at his home want to trace someone they describe as a potential witness.

They want to talk to a man seen in Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, about 1.30am on Sunday, January 21, the day of the fire.

The man was seen running from the direction of the school, possibly from an address in Brionne Gardens, towards Lodge Oak Lane.

The blaze victim, John Skilton, died after the fire at his home in Tonbridge's Bridge Close in the early hours of January 21. Kent Police are treating his death as murder.

Det Ch Insp Mick Atkinson said: "It is important that we speak to this man as he could have information of significance to the investigation.

"I would appeal to him or anyone who knows him to contact us and I am keen to stress we want to speak to him as a potential witness."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01622 654860 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A second man arrested in connection with the fire was released without charge on Thursday, February 1.