Police question decapitation suspect

Detectives investigating a gruesome murder in a Norfolk village have finally been able to question a suspect.

Garnet Hooper, 53, was arrested in relation to the death of Graham Rayner, whose decapitated body was found in the boot of an Austin Monetgo car on the A11 close to Red Lodge, near Newmarket on Wednesday, May 24.

Mr Hooper, of Station Road, Attlebridge, near Norwich, has been detained under the mental health act since and only now have police been allowed to interview him.

Police stopped the Montego after earlier being alerted by a man

who found a pool of blood outside

the Attlebridge property where

Mr Hooper lived alone.

Det Chief Insp Neil Firm, who is leading the investigation, said: "A person has now been interviewed in relation to the death of Graham Rayner. That person remains in a secure unit pending further inquiries. Police investigations are continuing."

He called on anyone who might still have information about the murder to come forward.

Mr Hooper, who told neighbours he was a paranoid schizophrenic, and Mr Rayner, 64, of Sandy Road, Taverham, near Norwich, were friends.

An inquest into the death of Mr Rayner was opened and adjourned in May by Norwich coroner William Armstrong.

Mr Rayner was a vintage car and motorcycle enthusiast and had developed a friendship with Mr Hooper because of their love of bikes.

In recent years, Mr Rayner had lived alone after initially sharing the bungalow with his son and daughter.

His grown-up children, who did not want to be named, said in a statement: "Graham Rayner was a sweet and loving man who would always help anyone and do anything for them. He was kind, easy going and a caring father, brother, uncle who loved his two children, friends and family. He had a passion for life and was always smiling and cheerful."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Chf Insp Niel Firm at Norfolk police via 0845 456 4567.