Hundreds of mourners have turned out to pay their respects to a father-of-four shot dead by police last month.

William Smith, known as Curly Bill, was wanted in connection with the brutal slaying of pensioner Roy Blackman.

The 36-year-old, of Tenterden Road, Golford, was initially arrested on suspicion of murdering the 73-year-old mechanic at his Biddenden bungalow but was bailed pending further investigation.

Detectives then launched an appeal for information regarding his whereabouts.

Mr Smith was shot four times in the head and chest in a stand-off in Goudhurst on the evening of Sunday, May 1.

This afternoon a hearse travelled from his rural home to The Parish Church of St George, Benenden, for a service just after midday.

The procession then headed towards Sissinghurst, passing down Cranbrook High Street from the town's war memorial before reaching the cemetery in Golford Road.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "The funeral of William Smith is a private event for the family and there is no plan for a police presence in the area."

A number of pubs in the surrounding area are shut today.

A spokesman for The George Hotel, in High Street, Cranbrook, said it will be closed for staff training and meetings and will open again as usual tomorrow.

Meanwhile The Bull at Benenden is closed due to urgent work in the kitchen but will open again as usual at 6.30pm.

The Peacock Inn will shut from 2.30pm.

A number of establishments in Tenterden will also not open.

Mr Blackman's funeral took place last month in Smarden where he lived and worked for many years.

To date eight people, including Mr Smith, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Mark Love, of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, has been charged with aggravated burglary and murder and will next appear in court later this month.