Police have named an 83-year-old man who was stabbed to death last Saturday while walking his dogs in woods in west Norfolk.
Peter Wrighton, a retired British Telecom worker from Banham who was married with two children, died of multiple stab wounds to his head and neck.
His family paid tribute to his “kind nature” and “love of walking his dogs and chatting with people to pass the time of day”.
In a statement his wife of 59 years and family added: “Peter was immensely kind and never had a bad word to say about anybody and people always seemed to take a liking to him.”
Police have urged people in the East Harling area to search through their bins and gardens for the weapon used in what they described as a brutal attack. They have also asked local people to look out for any bloodstained clothing discarded by the suspect.
No arrests have been made since his body was found on Saturday morning in woods that are well used by hikers and cyclists and are close to a caravan and holiday park, east of Thetford.
Wrighton had driven there in his red Skoda Fabia to walk his two dogs: a foxhound cross and a trailhound cross.
In a description issued by Norfolk police on Tuesday, Wrighton was described as 5ft 7in (1.70 metres) tall, white, of slim build with grey hair. He was wearing glasses, blue/grey trousers, a black T-shirt and brown walking boots.
Police have said the motive for the murder is unknown and have refused to comment on local speculation that it was connected to drug dealing known to have taken place in the woods.
The family statement added: “We will soon be able to understand why this has happened.
“When we think of Peter we remember him with fond and happy memories that will stay with us always.”
Asked if police believe the victim knew his attacker, Norfolk’s county police commander, Ch Supt Mike Fawcett, said there was no information to suggest this.
He said: “This is not in the norm for Norfolk … Norfolk remains a safe place to live and to visit.”
He said the public could help solve the murder.
“We remain in the early stages of investigation and, whilst carrying out extensive inquiries, we believe a member of the public could hold a vital clue,” he said.
“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 bloodstained, or a knife or other similar item which shouldn’t be there.”
Fawcett also appealed for anyone who has video, such as CCTV or dashcam footage, of the area on Saturday morning to save the file and contact the police.
