A murder investigation launched after a man's body was found near Rochester bridge has revealed that vital CCTV in the town was not working.

Residents and traders are angry cameras which could have captured events leading up to his death were pointing on to the pavement directly below .

Mum Lindsey Burke, who lives in a flat opposite the crime scene, said she first complained to Medway Council about the fault seven months ago.

The council has now said it will get it repaired and a review of its CCTV network is being carried out.

But the 39-year-old is not happy.

She said: "Why has it taken something like this to happen to get something done?

"I have a two year-old little boy and it's frightening what's happening here. We need to feel safe."

Police officers were forced to ask for footage from High Street businesses in a bid to find out the circumstances leading to the death of the 39-year-old Sittingbourne resident Peter Beale.

At one time charity worker Mrs Burke noticed the lens was focused on her bedroom of her flat above a beauty salon near the bridge.

She said: "Had it been working it may well have caught vital evidence for the police.

"Instead officers were left to ask local businesses if they had CCTV.

"I think it is very negligent of Medway Council to not have fixed the CCTV camera.

Baggins book shop owner Godfrey George said: "I wasn't aware there was problem until this incident and that was when I was told by detectives it wasn't working.

"It makes you wonder how many cameras are actually working in the town.

"Questions need to be asked of the council."

Ruth Du Lieu, the council's assistant director of frontline services, said: "We are working with our contractor to get the camera repaired.

"There are a number of cameras in the area which do provide coverage of the High Street and the bridge.

"We've spoken to the contractor and we will be assisting police with their inquiries."

The CCTV network is currently under review and older cameras will be replaced in some locations."

Ward councillor Stuart Tranter (Con) said: "I am pleased we are actively looking at this.

"I shall be following the review with great interest to ensure it is carried out rapidly and as effectively as possible."

However, Cllr Alex Paterson (Lab), who also represents the town, said: "After years of austerity cuts to police budgets, the least we can do is assist officers by ensuring CCTV cameras are operational and capable not only of aiding investigations but also delivering evidence for successful prosecutions.

"If it is true that CCTV in Rochester West is not up to scratch, then that is deeply worrying.

"People have a right to go about their business in safety.

"These cameras can play an important role in providing reassurance, but not if they are out of action."

Safer Medway Partnership manager John Brice is also concerned about the number of cameras out of use.

He said: "We are aware of the financial pressures on local authorities.

"However, we feel the maintenance of CCTV cameras is a priority in the fight against crime and disorder.

"We want to make Medway a safer place to live, shop and socialise.

"So we believe an efficient CCTV system is a vital cog in that aim."