Police have been carrying out anniversary checks a week after 83-year-old Peter Wrighton was stabbed to death in woodland near to East Harling.

Eastern Daily Press: Police on horseback to provide reassurance in East Harling while anniversary checks about the murder are carried out. PIC: Nick ButcherPolice on horseback to provide reassurance in East Harling while anniversary checks about the murder are carried out. PIC: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant)

The body of Mr Wrighton, of Banham, was found by a member of the public in woods near to the Fiveways junction at about 10.45am on Saturday, August 5.

He was found to have suffered multiple stab wounds to the neck and head.

A week on from the discovery and police carried out anniversary checks which included stopping people in the area or driving through the area around the time of the murder.

As well as police conducting checks at the scene there were also mounted officers on horseback in East Harling to help provide reassurance to people living and working there.

Eastern Daily Press: Peter Wrighton, 83, with one of his dogs. Picture Norfolk ConstabularyPeter Wrighton, 83, with one of his dogs. Picture Norfolk Constabulary (Image: Archant)

While the checks were taking place news emerged that man in his 20s, from the local area, had been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Mr Wrighton.

He is currently in police custody awaiting questioning.

News of the arrest helped to slightly ease the tension, worry and fear that had gripped the village for the past seven days.

A 37-year-old father of four from the village, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: 'If it is the culprit, then fantastic and hopefully justice will be done.'

A 67-year-old woman from the village, who did not want to be named, said she felt people would feel 'easier' that there had been an arrest, while Brian Inglis, 71, who lives in the village, said he would still be wary despite the arrest.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Wrighton who has been described by his family as 'a lovely, gentle husband, dad and grandfather'.

They said he had a 'kind nature' and spoke of his 'love of walking dogs and chatting with people to pass the time of day'.

A statement read: 'Peter was immensely kind and never had a bad word to say about anybody and people always seemed to take a liking to him.'

Mr Wrighton, a former BT worker, had lived in Banham for the past 30 years with his wife Ann.

Animal lovers, they were long-term members of the Thetford and District Canine Society.

They were due to attend the group's annual show tomorrow, an event they had helped to organise.

The show will go on with a minute's silence to be held in Mr Wrighton's memory.