Prayers have been said at churches across Norfolk for East Harling murder victim Peter Wrighton.

Eastern Daily Press: Canon Steve Wright lighting a candle at Banham Church for murder victim Peter Wrighton. Picture : ANTONY KELLYCanon Steve Wright lighting a candle at Banham Church for murder victim Peter Wrighton. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Communities in the south of the county were left devastated when it was announced earlier in the week that the 83-year-old former British Telecoms worker had been stabbed multiple times in the head and neck while walking his dog on woodland in East Harling.

MORE: Tributes continue to pour in for East Harling murder victim Peter WrightonMORE: East Harling murder - Home in Cringleford, near Norwich, searched as part of investigation into killing of Peter WrightonThe Rev Canon Steve Wright, vicar at St Mary the Virgin Church in Banham - where the victim lived - visited Mr Wrighton's family 'to reassure them that there are people who are concerned and offer them sympathy - on behalf of the church but also on behalf of other villages'.

Villagers in Banham and East Harling have also signed cards to pass to Mr Wrighton's family, while the Quidenham Group of Parishes, which includes Banham, said prayers at their Sunday services.

MORE: Thetford dog show to hold minute's silence in memory of East Harling murder victim Peter WrightonMORE: How you can help catch Peter Wrighton's killer

Eastern Daily Press: Canon Steve Wright lighting a candle at Banham Church for murder victim Peter Wrighton. Picture : ANTONY KELLYCanon Steve Wright lighting a candle at Banham Church for murder victim Peter Wrighton. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

Canon Wright, priest in charge of the Quidenham group, said: 'All the churches have been praying for the family and all those involved in the investigation. It's on everyone's mind.

'One of the reasons it hits people here is because this sort of thing just doesn't happen in this area.

'I know reports have highlighted the incident in the 90s but that really was some time ago. This really is a safe area.'

Eastern Daily Press: Police conduct anniversary checks near the scene of the murder of Peter Wrighton in East Harling, Norfolk. Picture: Nick ButcherPolice conduct anniversary checks near the scene of the murder of Peter Wrighton in East Harling, Norfolk. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)