Police have not ruled out the death of a Biddenden man killed in his home could have been a burglary gone wrong.

On the second day of the investigation into the suspicious death of Roy Blackman forensics officers remain on the scene in Headcorn Road.

The 70-year-old former business owner was found in his home yesterday morning prompting shock and outrage among local residents, who yesterday paid tribute to a 'hard-working man' and good neighbour.

It is understood the bungalow where Mr Blackman lived had been disturbed and items had been damaged or destroyed.

Posting on Facebook, Ashford resident Joan Bratton said there had been repeated break-ins at a burger bar on a nearby industrial lot. She said: "condolences to his family, poor man."

Speaking yesterday, an unnamed neighbour, added the death could have been a burglary gone wrong.

She said: "This is the last thing you'd imagine happening on your doorstep.

"We have lived here for 15 years and it is very, very sad. We are Christians and wouldn't want this to happen to anyone.

"Our thoughts are with his friends and family."

Police are asking anyone who may have seen anything between 7.30pm on Sunday night and the following morning between Weeks Lane and Frittenden Road to contact them.

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.