An aerial shot of the murder site – photo supplied by Norfolk Constabulary

 

As the investigation continues into the murder of an 83-year-old in East Harling detectives are appealing to members of the public for their help.

The initial call to police was made at approximately 10.45am on Saturday 5 August 2017 after the body of a man was discovered in woodland near the Fiveways Junction.

The Home Office post mortem examination, carried out on Sunday (6 August) concluded that the victim, who was from the local area walking his two dogs, died from multiple stab wounds to his neck and head.

Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent Mike Fawcett, said: “We remain in the early stages of investigation and whilst carrying out extensive enquiries we believe a member of the public could hold a vital clue.

“I would therefore like to appeal to locals, visitors or people who frequent the area to contact us if they think they might have important information.

“The victim is described as being white, of a slim build approximately 5ft 7in tall, with grey hair and glasses. He was wearing blue/grey trousers, a black t-shirt and brown walking boots. He was also with his two dogs, a 9-year-old Scarteen Harrier and a 13-year-old Trailhound cross.

“It is believed he travelled to the location in his red Skoda Fabia. If you noticed something out of the ordinary in the area between 9am and 11am it could help us build a bigger picture and identify a suspect.

“The residents in East Harling and other local villages know their community better than anyone else and it’s these people I really want to appeal to; have you seen people or a vehicle which looks out of place? At the time it may have seemed insignificant but please contact my officers and let us decide if it’s relevant or not.”

Location map of East Harling murder

 

As a result of standard police enquiries some Breckland residents in the immediate vicinity will not have their bins collected over the coming days, or they may be picked up later than usual.

Ch. Supt Mike Fawcett added: “I would like to encourage people within a five mile radius of The Street which is off the A1066 and the B1111 to check their bins and gardens for any items that may have been discarded by the suspect. This could include clothing which may be blood stained or a knife or other similar item which shouldn’t be there. I would also like to thank residents for their patience whilst this is carried out.

“Investigators are also asking all residents and businesses within the same area that have CCTV systems to preserve any footage that relate to the hours between 6am until 9pm on Saturday 5th August. Similarly motorists who were travelling in the area on Saturday and have any dash-cam footagerecorded these times are asked to save the footage and to contact the police. As this is an area where people go cycling and running some people may have other video footage from mobile devices and we would ask that this is saved and contact made with the police so that it can be reviewed to see if it assists the investigation.”

A seal remains in place at the woodlands whilst specialist searches and officers continue with their enquiries.

Ch. Supt Mike Fawcett reiterated: “I fully understand that residents will be shocked and concerned that a murder with this level of brutality can happen to an elderly man going about his daily business in our county.

“I would like to reassure the public that dedicated teams are investigating the incident whilst uniformed officers remain on scene and in the local area to provide a visible policing presence. We have also set up mobile police station at the scene should you have further information which could assist us.

Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Police immediately on 101, quoting Operation Graduate, visit the mobile police station or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.