Murder investigation launches after 72-year-old is 'attacked in village': Northampton man, 27, arrested

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 72-year-old man was assaulted in a village on Wednesday afternoon.

Northamptonshire Police said that at about 4.20pm, police received reports of a pensioner having been assaulted in the area of Hyde Road/Blisworth Road in Roade, Northampton. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and members of the public, the man died a short time later.

A 27-year-old Northampton man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident and remains in police custody at this time.

Detective Inspector Pete Long from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “At the present time and in order to preserve best evidence, we are treating this incident as a murder investigation.

“As the public can well imagine, this is an exceptionally fast-moving investigation and a team of detectives from the Major Crime Team are working around the clock to gather all the evidence and ascertain exactly what happened here.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or who may have information about the incident to please come forward and help us.

“I am particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have witnessed an altercation between two dog walkers in the area of Hyde Road/Blisworth Road between 3.50pm and 4.20pm today.

“Specialist officers are supporting the family of the 72-year-old man at what is an extremely distressing 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.