Man Charged With Murder After Southsea Arrest

13 November 2014, 11:47 | Updated: 13 November 2014, 11:52

A man arrested in Hampshire has been charged with murder after a model railway-loving pensioner was found stabbed to death in his home.

David Hall, 47, of no fixed abode, will face magistrates in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire later accused of killing Dennis Plater.

Mr Plater, 82, was discovered last Friday at his home in Walkley Hill in Stroud following reports he had died.

Hall was arrested on Sunday more than 100 miles away in Southsea.

Detective Superintendent Dave Sellwood, of Gloucestershire Police, said: ``We have yet to find the weapon used, believed to be a knife.

``We believe it may have been discarded between Walkley Hill and Stroud railway station.

``Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gloucestershire police on 101, quoting incident number 126 of November 7.''

Earlier this week, Mr Plater's family paid tribute to a ``beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather''.

``Dennis and his wife Mary moved to Stroud in 2004 to be closer to their daughter and her family; they had come to call it home,'' they said.

``Dennis enjoyed crafts, tapestry and was most happy tinkering with his model railway.

``It is incomprehensible that we have lost Dennis in this way, and the family would like to ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.

``We thank all the Gloucestershire Police force for their hard work, help and support.''