The family of a pensioner who was bludgeoned to death in his rural home have paid tribute to a 'wise and private' man.

They said: "We, Roy’s family, are devastated by our loss and have been unable to comment until now on what has been such a terrible shock. It is unthinkable to us that a vulnerable 73-year-old alone in his home could be harmed.

"We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and offers of help and support during the past few dreadful weeks. We would also like to thank the police, whom we know have been working extremely hard to capture those responsible.

"Roy lived a simple life without extravagance; he desperately missed his wife who sadly passed away six years ago after a brave battle with cancer. This July it would have been their 50 Golden Wedding Anniversary. To keep himself busy he continued to work and pursue his hobby of breeding rare wildfowl. He came from a farming background in Smarden, and then as a self-taught car mechanic specialising in Audi and VWs he set up his own business from home, later moving to the garage in Smarden.

"In the 1980s he moved the business to Biddenden to Heartsay Garage where he remained. He was an old school mechanic and what he didn’t know about cars wasn’t worth knowing. Over the years he built up a huge collection of car spares and he knew exactly what he had and where it was. Many people in the area knew that they could go to him for a quick and easy diagnosis of a problem and he had a lot of loyal customers who returned to him for years. He had ‘grafted’ all his life and was a kind, wise and private man who loved the countryside and his collection of pheasants, ducks and geese.

"Roy will be sadly missed by his daughters and son-in-laws, his grandchildren, his brother and sister, his brother-in-laws and all his other family, close friends and the wider community. We truly can’t believe that we won’t see him again or hear his laughter and we will never come to terms with the manner of his death.

"If anyone has any information at all that they think may help with the investigation, we ask that they pass it on to the police.

"Rest in peace Roy with your sweetheart Eileen."

The tribute comes after an intense four-week operation saw six men arrested, one of whom has been charged, and the other five bailed.

Detectives continue to search for a large safe stolen from Mr Blackman's Biddenden bungalow while an air rifle has been discovered.

Officers are also keen to speak to a gang of four to five workmen spotted in Headcorn Road in the hours before Mr Blackman's death.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 01303 289600 quoting reference 21-0203.Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.