Police have confirmed a burglary had taken place at the cottage where a pensioner was found dead yesterday.

The man in his 70s, named locally as Roy Blackman, was found at the property in Headcorn Road near Biddenden just before 9am.

A Kent Police Spokesman said: "There is likely to be a police presence at the address for the next few days while the investigation continues."

The results of a post mortem are due tomorrow.

Mr Blackman is believed to have run a car repair company in the area and was well known in and around Biddenden and Headcorn.

Described by neighbours as a good and hard-working man Mr Blackman's wife Eileen died some years ago.

His home was near the hand car wash and opposite the Chart Hills Golf Club.

Officers are asking anyone who may have seen anything between 7.30pm last night and this morning between Weeks Lane and Frittenden Road to contact them.

Det Insp Lee Whitehead from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "Officers have been at the scene throughout the day and our presence will remain as our inquiries continue.

"The area is fairly rural, but I’m hopeful that someone may have seen or heard something such as suspicious vehicles or people, and that they can report it to us."

Anyone with any information 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.