Droitwich murder: Police search for dog walker
Detectives have said a dog walker may hold vital information over the murder of an 80-year-old man.
Desmond Wooding was discovered stabbed to death in his own home in Vines Lane, Droitwich, on Monday morning. West Mercia Police said Mr Wooding was well known in the neighbourhood and regularly seen on his mobility scooter. Officers are trying to trace a man seen walking a dog in the area at 11.30 BST on Saturday. Police said the victim was last seen alive, near to his house, early on Sunday evening. Supt Damian Pettit said: "This is an 80-year-old man, who has survived eight decades of life in peaceful harmony, who has been brutally attacked in his home where he should feel safest... "He's quite a large character in terms of his personality, and would socialise with people around town and people, who would know him by sight and to speak to." There had been no sign of forced entry at the home, police said. They confirmed Mr Wooding was inside when he was attacked and had sustained "more than one" stab wound in the assault. Det Ch Insp Carl Moore described the inquiry as a "tragic case". "I would urge members of the public to think back to the weekend, what they were doing, and whether or not they saw or heard anything suspicious," he said. "We are also looking to speak to the man in the images, who we have not yet spoken to, and may be able to assist with our investigation." Susan Ballinger, who lives opposite and has lived on the street for 25 years, said Mr Wooding was a "lovely man". She stated: "He was always outgoing and always spoke to everybody." Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, and sign up for local news updates direct to your phone.