A group of workmen are being traced after a pensioner was bludgeoned to death in his home last month.

The gang of between four and five men, who were wearing high visibility jackets and white hard hats, were seen by a witness at the entrance to a field near Roy Blackman's Headcorn Road home in the hours before his death.

The 73-year-old was discovered beaten to death on the morning of Monday, March 21. A large safe and air rifle had been taken from his Biddenden bungalow.

The men were in the area on the evening of Sunday, March 20.

At around 9.40pm a man was seen walking along the road near the victim’s home, Heartsay Bungalow, he is thought to have walked past the neighbouring car wash and was wearing a high visibility sleeveless top.

Officers are keen to trace the men as they may have information crucial to the investigation.

Last week Mark Love, 37, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, was charged with aggravated burglary and murder. Five other men have been released on bail.

While a 5ft-tall, mustard-coloured safe is yet to be found detectives have recovered the air rifle which was also reported missing from the father-of-three's home.

Mr Blackman, a bird breeder and mechanic, died of multiple blunt force injuries to his head, neck, chest and abdomen.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 01303 289600 quoting reference 21-0203.Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.