A vicar has visited the family of East Harling murder victim Peter Wrighton to offer support and sympathy, as the community where he live rallies round to help the family.
Residents of the small Norfolk village of Banham said they were shocked and saddened to hear of their kind and gentle neighbour's death in such horrific circumstances.
But less than 24 hours after the 83-year-old was named the victim of multiple stab wounds to the head and neck, the community rallied round to offer its support.
MORE: CCTV footage captures last known movements of Peter Wrighton before East Harling murder
The Rev Canon Steve Wright, vicar at St Mary the Virgin Church in Banham, 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'.
He said there was a space in the church where people affected by the tragedy could go to reflect and light a candle in Mr Wrighton's memory.
The family have been offered a chance to hold a service in Mr Wrighton's memory, with Canon Wright saying people in the village had asked if there would be an event where they could pay their respects.
MORE: Tributes continue to pour in for East Harling murder victim Peter Wrighton
He said: 'People are unsettled by what's happened, especially those who walk their dogs by there.
'You read things on the news and you never expect it to happen in your own back yard.
'It's a very peaceful area where it is lovely to go for a walk. It is such a shame to have that spoiled with this.
'Naturally the hope is that people will still walk in the countryside. However for the near future, they'll probably be walking with friends for safety.'
However he said it was important for people to have a sense of perspective and not let the understandable anguish at what has happened prevent them from going about their daily lives.
Phil Moore - who is parish secretary of St Mary the Virgin Church, Banham - said people would 'rally round' to help the family through their grief.
He added: 'Everyone will be there for them, because we are at times like this.'
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