One of two men arrested by detectives investigating the murder of a pensioner in Biddenden remained in police custody at the weekend (Saturday).

The suspects, both aged 36, were arrested on suspicion of murder when a swarm of emergency services swooped on land off Tenterden Road, Golford on Thursday morning.

The raid in the village near Cranbrook followed the brutal killing of 73-year-old Roy Blackman, who was found dead in his Headcorn Road bungalow on Monday, March 21.

A post mortem found the well-known mechanic and bird breeder died of multiple blunt force injuries to the head, neck, chest and abdomen.

One of the two suspects, both from the Cranbrook area, has been released on bail until Friday, July 1.

The other is still being questioned.

Police descended on the land in Golford in the early hours of the morning. They remained on scene for several hours and were seen conducting house-to-house inquiries.

They also removed several evidence bags from the site, where at least 12 police vehicles were present.

Last Wednesday a 49-year-old Maidstone man was also arrested on suspicion of murder.

He has been bailed, pending further inquiries, until Thursday, April 28.

Police made the arrest after descending on the abandoned Valdene Business Park, on Headcorn Road, near Sutton Valence.

Detectives continue to search for a large safe — described as a 5ft tall, metal, mustard-coloured heavy duty cabinet — which was taken from Heartsay Cottage were Mr Blackman lived.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 01303 289600.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting incident reference 21-0203.