A Gravesend antiques dealer was found dead in Cobham woodland shortly after appearing in court for firearms offences.

The body of Ray Mills was found off Cobhambury Road in the early hours of January 17.

The 69-year-old, of Pinnock Avenue, had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

His death is being treated as non-suspicious.

Nine days earlier Mr Mills had appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court charged with three counts of possessing firearms and one count of selling a primer.

He had been bailed and was due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on January 22.

Mr Mills was interviewed by the Telegraph at a fair for military collectors in Chelmsford, Essex, in October last year, where he revealed he stored Nazi memorabilia at his home - including 100 rifles and a selection of daggers.

He told the newspaper: "People think we’re all neo-Nazis and loonies, but we’re not", and added: "It’s not sinister at all, it’s a very good investment."

Mr Mills said agents in North and South America helped him find the best artefacts, and everything he imported and stored complied with the Antique Firearms Act (1968).

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called at 8.50am to a report that a man's body had been discovered in woodland off Cobhambury Road, Cobham.

"The death was treated as non-suspicious and a report was prepared for the coroner."

An inquest will take place on May 11.