A murder investigation has been launched after a body was found at a house in Dartford.

Police have been at the property in Oakfield Lane since about 8.30am after a man in his 40s was found dead. Police say it is believed he was stabbed.

Police launch murder investigation in Dartford

A man, also in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody, Kent Police said.

A cordon has been set up around a large detached property in the busy road and two police officers are standing guard outside.

Investigators arrived at the scene shortly after 2.30pm and have been collecting evidence.

KentOnline reporter Sean Delaney said detectives were seen bringing boxes and bags out of the house including items of clothing.

Neighbours said they had been unaware of the incident until police arrived this morning.

Raymond May, 83, has lived opposite the property where the incident took place for the last 43 years.

He said two men in their 40s lived at the property together.

He said: "The first we were aware was when the police were here at around 8.30am.

"He was a private person we never had any contact with him."

He said he used to come outside his house with massive see-through bags full of letters.

"The only people we would see was two women come and do the garden," Mr May added.

Police initially said the body had been found in an alleyway but eyewitness reports confirmed investigations have been focussing on the property.

A security guard from North Kent College, located next to the property, said police had only come to inquire as to any CCTV footage.

He said: "They just said they were going to come back to review the CCTV. They wanted to know which way it faces."

He said there was a gate which lead to the back fields behind the property but this was controlled by the college.

Police in Oakfield Lane, Dartford. Footage: UKNIP

The guard added: "It is all fenced off and no one can access it unless we open the gate."

A cordon at a neighbouring property has since been removed and officers are now leading their inquiries at the large house.

Police were called by South East Coast Ambulance Service at 8.18am today after the man was found dead.

Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate immediately launched an investigation.

Police remain at the scene and inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01474 366149 quoting reference 14-0193.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford