Findon road rage attack: Family release moving tribute to Donald Lock

The family of a 79-year-old man suspected to have been murdered in an "unprovoked" and "horrific" road rage incident in Sussex have paid tribute to their "fantastic" dad.

Detectives say that Donald Lock, from Worthing, sustained several stab wounds after a minor car collision.

Mr Lock had been driving south on the A24 when he struck another car that was travelling in the same direction.

The attack was allegedly undertaken by the driver of another car on Thursday night at around 9pm.

A 34-year-old man from Worthing was arrested yesterday and police have been granted extra time, until midnight Sunday evening, to question the suspect.

Earlier today Sussex Police revealed that they are searching a number of properties and have recovered a knife and are examining a car in connection with the incident.

Family's statement

During a press conference at Washington Village Green, near Findon, where Don held evening time trial events his son Andrew Lock said other cycling enthusiasts would "miss the support and encouragement" he offered.

He said: "On Thursday evening dad was taken from us by what can only be described as a horrific and unprovoked attack.

"Our whole family are absolutely devastated by the loss of someone that can only be described as gentle, kind, and loving."

Donald had been cycle racing for over 60 years and Mr Lock told the conference that he had kept a diary of the miles he had clocked up – the day he was killed he had ridden 20 miles in the morning.

"Cycling was his world and the cycling world will miss dad big time," he said.

His son continued saying that he had cycled from Lands' End to John O'Groats for charity and had been a lifelong supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion, holding a season ticket this year.

"At each game before kick-off we often noticed a single seagull sitting on the top of the opposite stand," he said. "This season I hope to see another one sitting there as well.

Cancer survivor

The late Mr Lock had also recently been given the all-clear from prostate cancer.

"The whole family have been completely overwhelmed with all the messages of sympathy and support the sheer volume of tributes on social media sites and people even changing their profile picture to one of dad," continued Mr Lock, surrounded by friends and family.

"We will be working hard to support mum through the unenviable process that will follow.

"Full of wisdom wit always calm supportive and the perfect role model."

Almost 20 years ago Kenneth Noye, 67, stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron, to death during a row on a slip road of the M25 in Swanley, Kent on 19 May 1996.