The seventh of eight men arrested as part of an investigation into the slaying of a pensioner in his own home has been released without charge.

The 52-year-old Tenterden man was stopped on the A28 Tenterden Road in April and was taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender following the discovery of Roy Blackman’s body in Biddenden the previous month.

His arrest came hours after armed police, supported by a helicopter, raided a house in Grange Road, St Michael’s, near the town. No arrests were made at the property.

The suspect was initially bailed until the middle of last month before being asked to report on Monday when he was released without charge.

The 73-year-old rare bird breeder and mechanic is alleged to have been beaten to death during a burglary at Heartsay Bungalow, Headcorn Road.

A safe, described as 5ft tall and mustard coloured, which was stolen during the incident remains missing.

Earlier this month four men arrested on suspicion of murder have had their bail extended until Thursday, July 28.

A fifth man arrested at Aylesham on suspicion of assisting an offender and handling stolen goods was released without charge.

In May William ‘Curly Bill’ Smith, also arrested on suspicion of murder, was shot dead by police and last month Mark Love, 37 and of Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, denied murder and aggravated burglary when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to call 01303 289600.