Chittering: Murder Police Search For Car

21 December 2011, 16:35 | Updated: 21 December 2011, 17:13

Police investigating the murder of a pensioner want to trace a black car seen parked outside his house on December 17.

The body of Llwelyn George Thomas [pictured - right], 76, was discovered by officers called to the home in Ely Road shortly after 12.30pm on Sunday December 18.

A post mortem examination carried out at Peterborough City Hospital yesterday (Tuesday) revealed he had died as a result of injuries to his face and head.

It is believed a small black car was seen parked in the driveway of the house on Saturday evening.

Detective Superintendent Jeff Hill [pictured below - at press conference] said: "I would urge anyone who saw a vehicle matching that description in the Chittering area on Saturday evening to come forward. We are interested in speaking to anyone who saw a car or anything suspicious in the village between 6pm and 11.30pm.”

Mr Thomas' silver Rover 75 estate was stolen from the address and later discovered in Church Lane Milton. It had mechanical problems and was likely to have made a lot of noise as it was being driven.

Detectives are keeping an open mind as to any motive behind the attack, but are investigating the possibility it may have been a burglary which went wrong.

Det Supt Hill said: "Mr Thomas died following a brutal attack in his own home.

"It's a strong possibility offenders may have tricked their way into his house with a view to stealing valuables inside, but instead, ended up bludgeoning him to death.

"I believe the person or people responsible for such an horrific attack are unlikely to have kept it to themselves. I would urge anyone who has information about the murder to come forward to police. I can assure them we will treat that information in the strictest confidence.”

Detectives are also urging anyone who might have been present at the home, but not involved in the attack, to call police.

Det Supt Hill added: "We strongly suspect that more than one person was present at the house when Mr Thomas was murdered.

" In these circumstances it may be the case that the single individual was responsible for the assault that caused Mr Thomas' death. I would appeal anyone present when Mr Thomas was assaulted to come forward. It is very much in your interest to tell us what happened as soon as possible.”

Det Supt Hill added: "While this is a hugely unpleasant crime I would stress such incidents are very rare. People should be assured we are doing everything we can to trace those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.