A pensioner was bludgeoned to death in his rural home, it has been confirmed.

Roy Blackman was found dead in Heartsay Bungalow, in Headcorn Road, between Biddenden and Headcorn, just before 9am on Monday, the victim of a violent burglary.

A mustard-coloured safe, which is said to be 5ft high and 1.5ft wide, was taken from the property opposite Chart Hills Golf Club.

The 73-year-old was well-known in the area having run several businesses including a garage.

A post-mortem examination carried out yesterday revealed the father-of-three died as a result of multiple injuries caused by blunt force trauma.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate will be carrying out inquiries in Mr Blackman’s neighbourhood today, in an effort to identify witnesses.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Headcorn Road between Weeks Lane and Frittenden Road from 7.30pm on Sunday to the early hours of Monday morning.

Officers believe the incident occurred between 1am and 3am on Monday, 21 March 2016.

Det Insp Lee Whitehead said: "Mr Blackman was beaten to death in his own home in what appears to be a violent burglary. A safe is missing from the property and we are keen to locate it.

"Mr Blackman was a well-known and well liked member of the community; he ran businesses in the area for many years and had a family who are distraught by his murder.

“I believe that several suspects would have carried out this crime. They have targeted a vulnerable man in his own home leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

"It’s important these people are arrested and I urge anyone who has any information about this crime to come forward.”

Officers are asking anyone who may have seen anything from 7.30pm on Sunday to Monday morning between Weeks Lane and Frittenden Road to contact them on 01303 289600.