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Mystery remains 10 years after Andrew Cresswell's murder in Pluckley

Family and friends of an aviation expert who was murdered 10 years ago are still holding out hope the mysterious case can be solved.

Andrew Cresswell, known as Andy or Cressy, was brutally killed in November 2008 in a case that has baffled detectives.

The 51-year-old lived in a mobile home on the Pivington Mill industrial estate in Pluckley where he ran a cafe.

Andy Cresswell was murdered in Pluckley
Andy Cresswell was murdered in Pluckley

Mr Cresswell’s body was found by workers on the estate and a post-mortem revealed he died from a blow to the head.

Police worked on theories he may have disturbed a burglar and been attacked but nothing has ever been proven.

Earlier this month, family and friends remembered the aviation archaeologist with a memorial motorbike ride.

Sixty people gathered to take part in the rally, which took in all of Mr Cresswell’s favourite spots.

A memorial bike ride to remember Andrew Cresswell, who was murdered 10 years ago, led by Vic Harden. Picture: Paul Amos
A memorial bike ride to remember Andrew Cresswell, who was murdered 10 years ago, led by Vic Harden. Picture: Paul Amos

Friend Vic Harden, 62, who led the ride which started in Tenterden, said: “He was a great person and would do anything for anyone.

“We first met up at a bike club in Tenterden in the ‘70s, where he was a member, and it’s lovely so many people from the group could come this year.

“Every year we buy a wreath for him and this year we got to put all 10 up on the gates near where he was killed.

“It was also nice to be joined by four of his family members, including his cousin who thanked us for coming and in such large numbers.

“It’s always good to come together and reminisce.

Vic Harden. Picture: Paul Amos
Vic Harden. Picture: Paul Amos
A memorial bike ride to remember Andrew Cresswell, who was murdered 10 years ago, led by Vic Harden. Picture: Paul Amos
A memorial bike ride to remember Andrew Cresswell, who was murdered 10 years ago, led by Vic Harden. Picture: Paul Amos
Biker friends from the 75 club, unveiled a plaque to Andrew Cresswell, who was murdered in 2008
Biker friends from the 75 club, unveiled a plaque to Andrew Cresswell, who was murdered in 2008

“Justice needs to be served and that is one of the things these rides are all about - raising awareness of the case so that we can find Andrew’s killer.”

The aviation archaeologist had a specialist knowledge of First World War crash sites and was poignantly found dead on Armistice Day in 2008 – exactly 90 years after the fighting stopped.

During the bike rally, riders also visited Headcorn Aerodrome, where Mr Creswell’s family donated his entire collection to the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum.

Despite the arrests of five men early on in the investigation, no one has ever been charged due to a lack of evidence.

A police spokesman said the case remains unsolved, but officers will “actively investigate any new lines of inquiry”.

Anyone who has information should call police on 101.

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