A MURDER investigation has been launched after a pensioner was stabbed to death at his home.

Desmond Wooding, who was 80 and lived alone, was found dead at his home in Vines Lane, Droitwich at 8.20am on Monday, June 24.

Yesterday, police announced that they were treating the investigation as a murder probe, after initially calling the death 'unexplained'.

On Tuesday police released a CCTV image of a man seen in the area at the time, with an appeal for anyone who recognises him to get in touch.

Worcester News: CCTV image after Droitwich 'murder'CCTV image after Droitwich 'murder'

At a media briefing yesterday, Superintendent 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 said Mr Wooding had last been seen alive early on Sunday evening, near to his house.

Police attended his home on Monday morning after a neighbour called to say they were worried about Mr Wooding after noticing that lights had been left on in his home for some time.

Mr Wooding was well known for riding his mobility scooter around Droitwich and Supt Pettit said the pensioner had been going about his normal business the day before he was found dead.

“He had been out and about in Droitwich," said Supt Pettit.

"He was quite a large character in terms of personality – there are a lot of people in our community that will know Desmond and will recognise him.”

Regarding the CCTV image of the man, Supt Pettit said:“His activity has been described as suspicious. For this reason he is of importance.”

Police have also appealed for anyone in the area between Sunday evening and 9am on Monday, who may have any information, to come forward.

Commenting on the death yesterday, Supt Pettit said: “Speaking as a Droitwich resident – and I have a lot of interaction with the community – it is a complete surprise and a complete shock to residents.

“We really want to hear from people to piece together his last moments.”

Supt Pettit added: “I would like to express our thanks to the community for their help with our enquiries.

“Anyone with any concerns can speak to a member of my team, as we remain in the area carrying out our enquiries.

"This investigation is being led by our Major Crime Investigation team, and I would like to reassure the community that finding out who is responsible for this crime is our upmost priority.”

Recycling bin collections in Vines Lane will be delayed as the police continue investigations into the death of an 80-year-old man.

Wychavon District Council has told residents to leave their bins out and “we will collect them as soon as we are able to”.

Anyone with any information on the crime can call police on 101 quoting incident 94s of June 24.