Murder investigation dropped as post-mortem confirms dog walker's heart attack in Northants village

A murder investigation has been dropped after a post-mortem has confirmed a heart attack.

Ralph Baxter died in Roade on April 8, while he was out walking his dog.Shortly before his death, Mr Baxter was involved in an altercation with a man who was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 28-year-old man was later released with no further action and the murder probe has now been dropped.

A post-mortem concluded that Mr Baxter died as a result of a heart attack, which led the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to conclude that the evidence was insufficient to link the two events to the degree required to prosecute for an offence of murder or manslaughter.

Detective Superintendent Joe Banfield, said: “Specialist officers continue to support Ralph’s family at this time and they have kindly asked the media to continue to respect their privacy while they grieve.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members of the public who came forward with their witness accounts and information in relation to this incident.”

A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service, added: “The CPS has carefully considered all of the available evidence in relation to the death of Ralph Baxter and we have concluded that our legal test for prosecution is not met.

"In these circumstances we cannot pursue any criminal charges. Our thoughts remain with his family.”

Mr Baxter's family has paid tribute to the step-grandfather who was married for 35 years and received an MBE from the Queen in 2007 for his work as a civil servant in the Department of Work and Pensions.

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