The devastated mother and sister of murdered farmer Julian Gardner today paid an emotional tribute to him, saying his loss had left a gap that could never be filled.

As police extended their hunt for the burglars who mowed him down and left him to die, widow Molly Gardner, 90, and her daughter, Anna Murphy, released a joint statement saying: "Julian was our son, brother and dear friend and nothing will ever be the same in our lives without him."

Mr Gardner was killed at his £3 million mansion on the estate in Robertsbridge trying to protect his property from intruders.

The 52-year-old bachelor, who ran a Land Rover and farm machinery repair shop, was found dead near outbuildings by his business partner on Monday morning.

Police believe he was the victim of a botched burglary and a murder investigation has been launched.

Detectives are currently carrying out forensic tests on two farm vehicles which were found abandoned within three miles of the scene.

They are looking at whether either or both of the vehicles could have been involved in the killing of Mr Gardner.