Norfolk’s police and crime commissioner says investigation into murder of Peter Wrighton from Banham has been “professional” and “intensive”
East Harling murder. Picture : ANTONY KELLY - Credit: copyright ARCHANT 2017
Norfolk's police and crime commissioner said he was satisfied the investigation into the 'horrendous' murder of 83-year-old Peter Wrighton was being conducted in a professional and intensive way.
Norfolk Police and Crime Commisssioner Lorne Green. Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
It is almost a week since the body of Mr Wrighton from Banham was found in woodland close to the Fiveways junction near East Harling.
The case has attracted huge publicity but no arrests have yet been made.
The death had been treated as unexplained with an 'animal attack' considered as one of the possible explanations.
A murder investigation was launched on Monday, August 7 after a Home Office post-mortem examination revealed Mr Wrighton had been stabbed multiple times in the neck and head.
Peter Wrighton, who has been named as the 83-year-old man who was stabbed to death while walking his two dogs in East Harling, Norfolk. Picture Norfolk Constabualry. - Credit: PA
Lorne Green, Norfolk's police and crime commissioner, was asked about the delay in launching a murder probe and not publicly naming Mr Wrighton until Wednesday.
Police had said identification comes under the coroner's jurisdiction but permission had been given early as this would usually take place at the inquest which opened on Thursday.
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Mr Green said he had been in 'close communication' with the force and insisted he was 'satisfied' the constabulary had acted appropriately.
He said: 'This tragic case is so rare to be practically unknown in our generally safe and peaceful county.
'Our first thoughts of course must be with the victim and the surrounding community.
'It's owing to all of Norfolk that the constabulary make every effort in tracking down the perpetrator of this horrendous crime and resources will not be an inhibiting factor in investigating this crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice.'
He added: 'I do have a duty to the Norfolk community to hold the police to account.
'I will continue to seek to be updated as the investigation proceeds and I will be reviewing all these matters further with the chief constable as part of my duty to hold the constabulary to account.
'I personally am satisfied that the necessary procedures have been and are being followed and that this investigation is proceeding in a professional and intensive way.'
