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Floral tributes laid for suspected Dartford murder victim in Dartford Road, West Hill

13:57, 13 May 2021

updated: 12:01, 17 May 2021

Floral tributes and a Union Jack have been left outside the Dartford home where a man in his 40s was found dead.

Police were called to an address in Dartford Road in the West Hill area on Tuesday.

A policeman guards the property in Dartford Road. Photo: UK News and Pictures
A policeman guards the property in Dartford Road. Photo: UK News and Pictures

Officers have since arrested a man in his 60s, also from Dartford and known to the victim, on suspicion of murder.

Flowers were left outside the property, the entrance of which is being guarded by a police officer.

A Union Flag with the names Dan, Rob and Jake was also left draped across the front wall of the property.

It read: "B Company. Forever in our hearts. Our friend and our brother."

Two forensics vans were parked outside a semi-detached block of three houses in Dartford Road yesterday and officers in white protective suits could be seen going in and out of the property.

Floral tributes have been laid outside the Dartford Road home where a man was found dead on Tuesday. Photo: UK News and Pictures
Floral tributes have been laid outside the Dartford Road home where a man was found dead on Tuesday. Photo: UK News and Pictures

A police car was also parked at the rear of the block and part of the back entrance to garages was taped off.

News of the death shocked neighbours who were alerted to a large armed police presence outside West Hill Academy shortly before midday on Tuesday.

A cordon was put in place for much of the day between the Harvester Rising Sun pub up to the bus stop near the primary school.

Local residents were not allowed back into their houses for hours and there were traffic delays around the town, possibly as a result of the diversion.

One witness, who didn't want to be named, was at the scene at the height of the incident and described it as "crazy".

She said: "There were loads of police there, many armed and probably well in excess of eight cars, plus ambulances.

A huge armed police presence was spotted in Dartford Road on Tuesday
A huge armed police presence was spotted in Dartford Road on Tuesday

"A police helicopter was overhead and an air ambulance landed in a school nearby."

Another neighbour, who lives a few doors down, said he saw a man in his 60s being led away, in handcuffs.

He said yesterday: "We were just sitting in the back room when we heard sirens.

"We came outside initially 10 to 15 minutes after police arrived. I saw paramedics rushing in and out."

Another witness said: "Two armed police officers asked the man in handcuffs 'where is the gun?'

"They then went back to the house and went inside."

The arrested man remains in custody as inquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01474 366149 quoting 46/79665/21.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or using the anonymous online form.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

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