A man, accused of murdering a 43-year-old Northfleet man is to go on trial in December this year.

Robert Williamson died from shotgun injuries at a house in Dartford, as the emergency services were called to a property near the Esso garage and and West Hill Primary Academy.

The incident happened last Tuesday, May 11 after reports of a disturbance at the home at about noon.

Today, 69-year-old David Hucker, of Dartford Road, appeared by prison video link at Maidstone Crown Court.

He spoke only to confirm his name and the hearing was adjourned until June 10, when he is expected to enter a formal plea to murdering Mr Williamson.

Hucker was charged with murder last Friday and after armed police, including around eight vehicles, paramedics and the air ambulance were all called to Dartford Road last week.

Witnesses at the scene described seeing police bombard the residential street, which was later subject to forensic investigation.

News of the death has shocked neighbours on the road.

Resident Adam Cruft and his partner were alerted to a disturbance shortly after 11am.

He said last week: "We were just sitting in the back room when we heard sirens. We came outside initially 10 to 15 minutes after police arrived. I saw paramedics rushing in and out."

The neighbour, who lives a few doors down, said he saw a man in his 60s being led away, in handcuffs.

"He wasn't struggling, he was cooperating with them," he said.

"We were just sitting in the back room when we heard sirens..."

He witnessed a body bag being removed from the house around 9.30pm and the cordon which had been in place for much of the day was removed shortly after around 10pm.

Floral tributes have been left outside the home which was being guarded by a police officer.

A Union Flag with the names Dan, Rob and Jake was also left draped across the front wall of the property.

It read: "B Company. Forever in our hearts. Our friend and our brother."

At Maidstone Crown Court this morning, no application was made for bail and Hucker was remanded in custody.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

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