Tributes Paid To Karoly Varga

12 August 2011, 12:28 | Updated: 16 August 2011, 16:29

The family of Karoly Varga, 76, from Wellingborough, who was found murdered in his home on Saturday 30 July, have issued the following statement.

“Our father was a lovely man, who lived an active life. He was a dedicated father and grandfather. We are left devastated and appalled by the horrific nature of his death.

“He frequently tried to help others and empathised with fellow Hungarians who arrived new to the country. He would offer support and knowledge he had gained over the years. It was something he never had when he first came to Northamptonshire more than 50 years ago, which made him want to help people even more.

“He worked very hard throughout his working life, integrating into the community and running a family business. He will be missed, not only by his family but those he helped as well.

“We plead with anyone who knew him, either as Karoly or Charlie, or has any information no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and contact the police, so that the officers can trace the last days of his life and bring to justice those responsible for the callous and brutal murder of a 76-year-old grandfather.

“We desperately need to understand why our father was taken from us so suddenly and in such a terrible manner.”

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Kinchin, leading the investigation, said: “This was a senseless murder of a defenceless man. It has clearly had a significant impact on the family and wider community.

“We cannot stress how important it is for anyone who saw anything, has any information or knew Mr Varga, to come forward.

“We are especially keen to reach out to the Hungarian community, as we know that there is a small population of Hungarian people who live within the area, and we know that Mr Varga was in regular contact with local people and those who had recently arrived in the country.

"Also, I would like to stress that anyone with information who may not feel comfortable speaking in English, can go to our website and use the translator button, which will allow them to report to us in their own language.

“We are following a number of lines of enquiry and continue to appeal to the public for information.”