A FILE of papers from an almost six-decade murder investigation is being kept confidential due to concerns over “national security”.

Benjamin Ward, 68, was found battered to death at a construction site in Wynford Road, King’s Cross, on New Year’s Day in 1963.

He had been working as a night watchman on the site.

After the passing of so much time, the original police files from the case have been handed to the National Archives in Kew.

In historic cases like this, they are often made available to researchers to view on request.

An order, however, has been made barring the disclosure of information on Mr Ward’s death until January 2033.

A government ruling said that releasing the documents was: “Not in the public interest due to defence, international relations, national security or economic interests of United Kingdom and overseas territories.”

There is no further information as to how the death of a man found beaten to death nearly 60 years ago could now have an adverse affect on international diplomacy.

Staff at the site said at the time: “Ben had no enemies. Everyone on the site liked him.”

Police released an image of a suspect, describing a “well built man” aged between 30 and 35.