‘Burglar who beat pensioner to death’
Police hunt 28-year-old man over village killing
POLICE l aunched a manhunt yesterday for a 28-year- old suspected of murdering a pensioner at his rural bungalow during a burglary.
The beaten body of Donald Ralph, 83, was found at his home of almost four decades earlier this week after his car was stolen.
Murder detectives want to track down Leighton Snook in connection with the attack in Aldham, Essex.
They warned the public not to approach Snook, adding that anybody found helping the suspect from Colchester, who has links to Hastings, East Sussex, Suffolk, Hartlepool and County Durham, will be investigated.
Mr Ralph’s death has been described as a ‘targeted incident’ by police who said that the disappearance of his blue Volvo V50 was linked to the suspected murder. The vehicle has yet to be located but was traced as being driven towards Hastings on Tuesday morning just hours after Mr Ralph is thought to have been ambushed.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of Kent and Essex serious crime unit, said: ‘We urgently need to speak to Leighton Snook in connection with the murder of Donald Ralph. I would strongly urge him, or anyone who knows of his whereabouts, to contact police.’
A 16-year-old from Leicester was arrested in Colchester, Essex, on Wednesday and is being held in custody on suspicion of murder.
Yesterday, Mr Ralph’s niece Tina, who had formed a support bubble with him during the pandemic, said: ‘Don was a very young at heart, fit 83year- old, with boundless energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment of life.
‘He was a man who loved all things countryside, particularly fishing and the Norfolk Broads, as well as being an avid bird lover.
‘Don was a unique character, who will much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family.’
Neighbours r aised the alarm after discovering Mr Ralph’s body at 1pm on
‘Do not approach him’
Tuesday. They had become suspicious after seeing a light left on at his property in the early hours.
Police are also appealing for dashcam footage captured by passing motorists at about 3pm on Monday when the burglary may have taken place.
Mr Ralph, who was previously married, had lived alone in the bungalow after being raised in a nearby property with his four siblings.