Murder inquiry: Family pays tribute to former civil servant, 74, who was an avid Northampton Saints fan and Labour Party supporter

A 74-year-old man who died after being attacked while out walking his dog in a village near Northampton on Wednesday has been named as Ralph Baxter.

He was married for 35 years and received an MBE from The Queen shortly after retiring in 2007 for his 43 years work as a civil servant in the Department of Work and Pensions.

His family released a statement saying: "Ralph was a loving husband, step-father, step-grandfather, brother, and uncle.

“Ralph lived in Roade with his wife for 35 years and since retiring has enjoyed walking their dog Bertie around the local area.

“One of his proudest moments was receiving an MBE from the Queen for his dedication and commitment to the Civil Service.

“He was an avid supporter of the Northampton Saints Rugby Club and rarely missed a match. Ralph was also a keen member of the Labour Party and could always be relied on to 'pound the pavement' at canvassing time.

“He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues, neighbours and friends.”

Mr Baxter was also a long-serving trade union official for the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Emergency services rushed to the the area of Hyde Road and Blisworth Road following reports of an assault at around 4.20pm on Wednesday (April 8) but Mr Baxter died a short time later.

Doctors said the cause of death was "unascertained" after a post-mortem at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

A 27-year-old Northampton man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident has been released on police bail to an address outside of Northamptonshire pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Pete Long from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “Detectives are still working around the clock on this very difficult and complex investigation and I am still very keen to speak to anyone who has any information about this incident but has not yet come forward.

“From our initial enquiries, we do believe this to be an isolated incident, and we are continuing to work through all the evidence that has been gathered so far.

“Thank you to all of the members of the public who have come forward so far with their witness accounts and information – it is much appreciated.

“Specialist officers continue to support the family of the 74-year-old man at this awful time.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, if you would like to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.