Boy, 16, arrested after pensioner found dead
POLICE investigating the suspected murder of a pensioner have arrested a 16- year- old boy and named a man they are hunting.
Retired farm worker Donald Ralph, 83, known as Don, was found dead by a neighbour on Tuesday at his bungalow in Aldham, near Colchester, in Essex.
Detectives said the victim’s car was missing from his driveway, suggesting it may have been taken during the incident.
They said his blue Volvo V50, registration HD08 YFV, was driven to Hastings, East Sussex, on the morning of his death.
But officers have refused to confirm reports that Don’s shotgun was also stolen in the raid which they have called “a targeted incident”.
Police said that a 16- year- old from Leicester was arrested in Colchester on Wednesday night and is in custody on suspicion of murder.
Officers want to speak to Leighton Snook, 28, who is said to have links across Essex, particularly his home town of Colchester, as well as Hastings, Hartlepool and County Durham.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex
Serious Crime Directorate, said he strongly urged Snook, “or anyone who knows of his whereabouts, to contact police. I ask members of the public not to approach him but to call police immediately. Anybody who is found to be assisting those
involved in Mr Ralph’s murder in any way will be subject of a thorough investigation and could find themselves prosecuted for assisting an offender.”
DCI Egerton also thanked members of the public who have assisted the investigation “so that we can get the answers Mr Ralph’s family desperately need”.
Don, a keen shot, is believed to have lived alone at the house for at least 40 years. He was briefly married but had no children.
Energy
His niece Tina Ralph said: “Don was a very young at heart, fit 83- year- 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.”
Police are still awaiting the results of a post- mortem examination but sources suggest the victim was badly beaten.
Forensic officers in white suits have been searching his concreterendered bungalow, which is beside the busy main road between Colchester and Halstead.
A relative, who asked not to be named, choked back tears as he said: “I don’t know why anybody would want to do this. It is beyond my wildest, wildest nightmares.
“He was just an ordinary fellow living his ordinary life.”
Submit information at mipp. police. uk/ operation/ 4201020120P56- PO1 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https:// crimestoppers- uk. org