A fifth man has been arrested following the brutal death of a pensioner in his Biddenden bungalow.

The 37-year-old, from Staplehurst, was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday morning. He is currently in custody.

It follows the grim discovery of 73-year-old Roy Blackman's battered body three weeks ago on Monday.

A police spokesman confirmed the arrest was made at a police station after officers arranged to meet the man.

A custody extension has been granted.

Popular father-of-three Mr Blackman received multiple blunt force injuries to his head, neck, chest and abdomen during a violent burglary in the early hours of Monday, March 21.

Detectives continue to search for a large mustard-coloured safe stolen during the incident.

Last week three men were bailed over Mr Blackman's murder and the week previously a 49-year-old man from Maidstone was also released on bail.

Mr Blackman, a mechanic and bird breeder, was a familiar face in Biddenden, Headcorn and Smarden and was well-known at Maidstone Market.

Friends remembered him as a generous and hard-working man.