Norfolk’s County Policing Commander has moved to reassure residents around increased local patrols as enquiries continue into the East Harling murder investigation.

A member of the public made the initial call to police 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 yesterday afternoon, Sunday 6 August, concluded that the victim, an 83-year-old family man from the local area who was out walking his two dogs at the time, died from multiple stab wounds to his neck and head.

Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team are in the early stages of the investigation and a cordon remains in place at the woodland as enquiries to establish the sequence of events leading up to the man’s death continue.

Norfolk’s County Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent Mike Fawcett, said: “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.

“The motive remains unclear and we are appealing for people who have noticed any unusual activity in the area recently. Those who use the woodlands and footpath regularly especially those who were there between 9am and 11am on Saturday 5 August are urged to contact us.

“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.