Hundreds come forward with information on killing of Norfolk granddad as man is charged with murder

HUNDREDS of people have come forward to help police investigating the murder of a grandfather stabbed to death as he walked his dogs.

More than 700 spoke to officers on Saturday, a week after Peter Wrighton, 83, was killed.

Another 170 callers have phoned with information since Wednesday.

Det Supt Andy Smith said the information had helped officers to identify further witnesses.

He added: “We have also been able to obtain extra dashcam footage.”

Mr Wrighton’s body was found in woodland near the village of East Harling in Norfolk.

Police arrested Alexander Palmer, 23, yesterday, and today confirmed that he has been charged with murder.

Palmer was remanded in custody and will appear at Norwich magistrates court later today.

The pensioner's body was found in heavy undergrowth in woods near the village of East Harling, Norfolk, last Saturday with his loyal pets by his side.

MOST READ IN NEWS

Earlier in the week, Mr Wrighton's family paid tribute to him, describing him as a "lovely, gentle husband, dad and grandfather".

They told how he had a "kind nature" and talked of his "love of walking his dogs and chatting with people to pass the time of day".

Ann, to whom Mr Wrighton was married to for 59 years, said: "Peter was immensely kind and never had a bad word to say about anybody and people always seemed to take a liking to him.

"We are extremely thankful for all the people who have come forward to speak with the police and hope we will soon be able to understand why this has happened.

"When we think of Peter we remember him with with fond and happy memories that will stay with us always."

More than 100 officers are working on catching Mr Wrighton's killer and a dedicated phone line has been set up to deal with calls from members of the public who may have information which could help.

  • Anyone with any information should call The Operation Graduate helplines on 0800 056 0944 or 0207 158 0010.

For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online, where we will bring you live updates as soon as they happen, before anyone else.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun, and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun, where we will bring you this story and all the rest of the top news and exclusives of the day.

Thesun.co.uk is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfaX9zhJZra2ion6G2pLGMmqmrnaOpeq6tzWagp2WYnsBufo%2BsZJ2top67qHnIp62eq6SetKLAyKilZqGeqbxuudSrm56qXaSzbrrOq52opJtisbCzjLCYpaOVp3qxsdOeqWavop60qcDOp2Y%3D