Murder probe following death of pensioner in Dorset market town

Pensioner dies following ‘serious assault’ at home in quiet suburban street – as man, 36, ‘who was known to the victim’ is arrested on suspicion of murder

  • Police were called to semi-detached property in Sherborne, Dorset yesterday 
  • Man in his 70s was airlifted to hospital but later died from his injuries
  • Murder detectives have arrested a 36-year-old man who is being questioned 

A murder probe has today been launched following the death of a pensioner in a suburban street of a Dorset market town.

Police were called to a semi-detached home in Sherborne, following reports of a serious assault there yesterday evening.

They found the victim, a local man aged in his 70s, with serious injuries. He was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance but later died.

A 36-year-old man from the town has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned.

Police forensics experts are working at a house in Sherborne where a man was fatally injured

The victim and alleged attacker are believed to be known to each other. The incident took place at about 5.10pm yesterday.

Police have cordoned off the 1970s-built £250,000 home while they conduct their investigations.

Neighbours have expressed their shock at the incident in a normally tranquil community.

Chris Wigmore said: ‘I live about 50 yards away from the house. There was a lot of police activity, ambulances and medics.

‘There were a lot of people watching at the time, and the police have put a cordon up around the house today. It’s very shocking.’ 

Margaret Hunt added: ‘I’m absolutely floored by it.’

Police say they believe the victim and his alleged attacker were known to each other

Police say they believe the victim and his alleged attacker were known to each other

Detective Superintendent Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police Major Crime Investigation Team, said: ‘Dorset Police has launched a murder investigation and will be conducting enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

‘A cordon has been put in place around an address in Ridgeway, Sherborne while crime scene investigators examine the scene.

‘Residents will see officers conducting house-to-house enquiries. However if anyone has any information relating to the incident, I would ask that they contact Dorset Police.

‘Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns.’ 

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