Carl Davies killing: Three men charged on Reunion island

The body of Carl Davies was found two days after he arrived on Reunion island

Three men have been charged with the murder of a Kent teacher on an island in the Indian Ocean in 2011.

Former Royal Marine Carl Davies, 33, from Harrietsham, was found at the bottom of a ravine on Reunion island.

Police initially said Mr Davies's death was an accident, but tests later suggested he had been beaten to death.

A fourth man is expected to be charged by the authorities on French-governed territory later. The suspects are believed to be aged between 16 and 30.

'Vicious crime'

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "Following contact with the relevant authorities on Reunion Island, Kent Police has been made aware that three men have been charged with the murder of Carl Davies.

"It is also anticipated a fourth man will be charged with the same offence later this afternoon.

"This has been described by the authorities as a vicious crime and they have confirmed there were no sexual connotations.

"A judicial investigation will now take place and this is a matter for the authorities on the island and, as a result, we will be making no further comments on this case.

"We are in regular contact with the family of Mr Davies and will continue to provide any help and support that we can."

It is estimated about 600 people attended his funeral at the Garden of England Crematorium in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne.

Mr Davies is believed to have arrived on the French governed island on 7 November 2011.

His body was discovered two days later and a murder investigation started on 19 November.