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Two more people arrested and bailed on suspicion of murder after man's body found in Kinross Close, Princes Park, Chatham

16:00, 18 August 2015

updated: 16:37, 18 August 2015

Two more people have been arrested in a murder investigation.

Emergency services were called to Kinross Close in Princes Park, Chatham, just after 5.30pm on Sunday, July 12, and found the body of 59-year-old man Steve Berry.

Two men were arrested last month and bailed, and now a third man and a woman have been taken into police custody.

Kincross Close, Chatham, where a Mr Berry's body was found in a flat on Sunday, July 12.
Kincross Close, Chatham, where a Mr Berry's body was found in a flat on Sunday, July 12.

A 27-year-old woman, of no fixed address, was arrested yesterday, August 17, and a 29-year-old man, from Rochester, was arrested today, August 18.

They were both apprehended on suspicion of murder.

The woman has been bailed until August 25 pending further inquiries and the man until September 2.

A 46-year-old man who was arrested on July 13 and a 28-year-old man who was arrested on July 26 were both released on bail until September 9 pending further inquiries.

In the aftermath of the discovery, neighbours described the man who died as "very nice, but a bit of a loner".

Kincross Close, Chatham, where Mr Berry's body was found on Sunday, July 12. Picture: John Westhrop
Kincross Close, Chatham, where Mr Berry's body was found on Sunday, July 12. Picture: John Westhrop

A young mum who lives next to the flats but did not wish to be named, said: "As soon as the police turned up, I knew it would be the old man who was dead.

"But I'm really shocked. He was very talkative. He was a nice man and liked to talk about gardening. Normally he would be walking up and down the road every day. But I haven't seen him since last Monday, I'm wondering whether he was in there since then.

"When the police came round they asked me if I'd heard any noises or banging coming from the flat over the last week."

Another neighbour added: "He would always stop to say good afternoon and was very chatty. He liked to talk to people because he was lonely in his flat."

Kincross Close, Chatham
Kincross Close, Chatham

He had lived in the block of four flats for a few years and on sunny days he would sit on the grass outside.

He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ the King in Dove Close, and Rev Derek D'Souza said: "We will be saying prayers for him."

There was a huge police presence and forensics teams in the cul-de-sac in the days that followed the discovery.

Officers were still at the scene for most of Monday and more forensics appeared later in the afternoon.

The block of flats was cordoned off and a nearby alleyway blocked either end by police cars and officers.

People living in the same block of flats as the deceased were asked to leave their homes on Sunday by police, but were allowed to return during the following week.


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