Robertsbridge murder: Second man arrested

A 29-year-old man from Ashford in Kent was arrested by police last Friday (October 22) over the death of 53-year-old Mr Gardner, who was killed on the driveway of his own home during a botched robbery on October 11.

The man was bailed until November 26 for further enquiries.

A 40-year-old man, also from Ashford, was arrested and questioned by police on October 16.

He is due to answer bail on November 25.

Mr Gardner was found dead on the driveway of his home at Bush Barn Farm by a horrified colleague.

It is believed Mr Gardner disturbed burglars trying to break into outbuildings on the site, where he ran an agricultural and car repair business.

A post mortem revealed Mr Gardner died from ‘compression injuries’, which suggests he could have been crushed between two objects, one of which could have been a car.

Two 4x4 vehicles, which had both been taken from the farm, were found abandoned and burnt out in Cripps Corner and Sandhurst, Kent.

Police believe Mr Gardner was killed some time between 11pm on Sunday October 10 and 2am on Monday 11.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.