A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 83-year-old Peter Wrighton.

Eastern Daily Press: Aerial view of murder scene, near East Harling. PIC: Supplied by Norfolk police.Aerial view of murder scene, near East Harling. PIC: Supplied by Norfolk police. (Image: Archant)

The man, in his 20s, was arrested this morning by detectives probing the death of Mr Wrighton, whose body was found in woodland near East Harling a week ago today.

Police said the man they have taken into custody is from the local area.

A Home Office post mortem examination concluded father-of-two Mr Wrighton, from Banham, died as a result of multiple stab wounds to his neck and head.

More than 100 Norfolk police officers and staff have been working on the case following the discovery of Mr Wrighton's body at 10.45am last Saturday - a killing which has shocked the local community.

Eastern Daily Press: CCTV image of Peter Wrighton at Kenninghall Post OfficeCCTV image of Peter Wrighton at Kenninghall Post Office (Image: Archant)

Dedicated phone lines were set up and more than 220 people have contacted the police following their appeal for information over the killing of the pensioner, who was described by his family as 'a lovely, gentle husband, dad and grandfather.'

MORE: How you can help catch Peter Wrighton's killer

Police had made a direct appeal to the public for help finding two men seen in different areas close to the murder scene.

The men were described as:

Eastern Daily Press: East Harling murder. Picture : ANTONY KELLYEast Harling murder. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

• White, with a tanned complexion, aged 25 to 30 years and between 5ft 9ins and 5ft 11ins tall.

He was of an athletic build with short dark wavy hair and dark eyes. It is believed he was wearing a grey or blue t-shirt and grey floppy gym style shorts above the knee and heavy duty flip flops.

• White, aged 30 to 50 years old, of a medium build and wearing dark coloured clothing. He was seen walking without a dog in the northern area of the heath.

Police had also issued CCTV footage of the last sighting of Mr Wrighton at the Kenninghall Post Office - between 10.08am and 10.12am last Saturday - only about half an hour before a member of the public discovered his body.

Eastern Daily Press: More than 100 Norfolk police officers and staff have been working on the case following the discovery of Mr Wrightons body at 10.45am last Saturday.More than 100 Norfolk police officers and staff have been working on the case following the discovery of Mr Wrightons body at 10.45am last Saturday. (Image: Archant)

The former BT worker, who lived with his wife Ann, had made the short drive, in his red Skoda Fabia, from the post office to the woods to walk his dogs Dylan and Gemma.

A team of police search advisors has been leading a number of searches at the scene, while people living nearby were asked to check their bins for weapons or anything unusual.

Enquiries are continuing and detectives ask that anyone with information should contact Norfolk police immediately on 0800 056 0944 or 0207 158 0010, quoting Operation Graduate. They can also visit the mobile police station or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Eastern Daily Press: Police horse unit at workPolice horse unit at work (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Jill Hayman.Jill Hayman. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk police asking for any infoNorfolk police asking for any info (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk police have corder off the area.Norfolk police have corder off the area. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: More than 100 Norfolk police officers and staff have been working on the case following the discovery of Mr Wrightons body at 10.45am last SaturdayMore than 100 Norfolk police officers and staff have been working on the case following the discovery of Mr Wrightons body at 10.45am last Saturday (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Police have named Peter Wrighton, 83, of Banham, as the victim of the East Harling murder. Picture Norfolk ConstabularyPolice have named Peter Wrighton, 83, of Banham, as the victim of the East Harling murder. Picture Norfolk Constabulary (Image: Archant)