Murder detectives leading inquiry into pensioner's death make arrest after search for man with links to Hartlepool

Police leading a murder inquiry into the death of a pensioner say they are no longer searching for a man with links to the Hartlepool and County Durham areas.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 2nd Jan 2021, 10:03 BST

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Essex Police, with the support of Cleveland Police, appealed for help to trace Leighton Snook, 28, in connection with the death of Donald Ralph, in Aldham, a village near Colchester.

Mr Ralph, 83, was found dead at his home shortly after 1pm on Tuesday, December 29.

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Donald Ralph’s family described him as being “very young at heart” and a man who loved being in the countryside.

Donald Ralph’s family described him as being “very young at heart” and a man who loved being in the countryside.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Colchester yesterday evening, New Year’s Day, on suspicion of murder.

Two men aged 30 and 39, and a 21-year-old woman, were also arrested on the same evening in Colchester on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The force, which believes Mr Ralph was the victim of a targeted attack, said they remain in custody.

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A 16-year-old boy from Leicester, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, also remains in custody.

Investigators had searched for Mr Ralph’s stolen car, which has since been located in Hastings.

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