Dog walker stabbed to death in woods found with his pets waiting loyally by his side
LOYAL to the end, Peter Wrighton’s two dogs remained by his side after he was stabbed to death on a woodland stroll.
The 83-year-old grandfather was yesterday named as the victim of a killing that has baffled detectives. His body was found by a fellow walker who said his dogs – a nineyear-old foxhound and a 13-year-old trail hound cross – were still by his side.
Locals fear the killer, who has been on the loose since Saturday, could strike again. Norfolk Police are scouring 30 villages around the murder site on the outskirts of East Harling near Thetford.
Residents have been asked to check their rubbish, with bin collections temporarily stopped amid suspicions that the murderer may have discarded his weapon or clothing.
Officers say the attack was so brutal the killer would have had Mr Wrighton’s blood on him. His family say they have no idea why
‘It’s no surprise they stayed with him’
the father of two was repeatedly stabbed in the neck and head.
The public could hold the key to solving the investigation, according to the police. They are keeping all lines of inquiry open, including whether Mr Wrighton knew his killer. More than 100 calls have been made to the inquiry hotline.
Neighbours in the village of Banham, which is seven miles from the crime scene, paid tribute. Melissa Nelson, 39, said: ‘Peter was a true gentleman who wouldn’t hurt a fly. He absolutely loved his dogs and they would do anything for him.
‘It’s no surprise they stayed with him in his hour of need. It’s heartbreaking.’
Mr Wrighton, a former BT worker, volunteered at a Dogs Trust rescue centre, taking in strays. Paula Sillett, who chairs the Thetford and District Canine Society, which Mr Wrighton had also led, said he and Ann, his wife of 59 years, were animal lovers.
‘He was a very gentle man, very quietly mannered,’ she said. ‘I can’t imagine him ever approaching somebody, he was so quiet. He and his wife did everything together, shopping, dog walking, everything. I felt quite sick when I saw the news.’
Mrs Wrighton, 78, said: ‘ Peter was immensely kind and never had a bad word to say about anybody and people always seemed to take a liking to him. We are extremely thankful for all the people who have come forward to speak with the police and hope we will soon be able to understand why this has happened.’
Locals said the area was relatively crime free. But they said the woodland where Mr Wrighton was killed was used by drug dealers, claiming they had seen cars pull up in the remote lanes and drivers swap packages.
Norfolk policing commander, Chief Super- intendent Mike Fawcett, said: ‘I would like to reassure the public we are following several lines of enquiry and are pleased the public are supporting us in our investigation.
‘I would also request that premises or businesses within the same area with CCTV systems preserve any footage that relates to the hours of 6am until 9pm on Saturday 5th August. Similarly, if you have a dashcam or other recording devices and travelled in the area.’