UK: Pensioner murdered in his home in 'violent and dreadful attack'

A man has died after what police described as a "violent and dreadful" attack in a suspected bungled burglary at his home. David Brickwood, 74, was assaulted at his Northampton home in Lindsay Avenue in Abington just after 02:00 BST on Saturday 26 September.

Mr Brickwood, died later at Northampton General Hospital, police said.

Forensic officers in white suits could be seen looking for evidence while uniformed officers stood guard outside. The front door was badly damaged with a glass pane missing. A large wooden board had been placed in front one of the downstairs windows, which had been smashed in the attack.

The Mail Online reports that a neighbour reported hearing a 'commotion' in the street in the early hours of Saturday morning. "I believe he just lived there with his son but he was well known as a friendly, nice gentleman. The police haven't said what happened yet."

A major incident room has been set up to investigate his murder. Det Ch Insp Mick Graham, of Northamptonshire Police, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Fortunately, incidents of this nature are incredibly rare, and I would appeal to the public to contact us if they know anything about Mr Brickwood's death, or what may have happened in the hours leading up to this incident."

Dale Brickwood, 47, said: "I don't want to speak about what might have happened at the moment. We just want to leave what the police have put out there to do its work." Tributes have been left for Mr Brickwood on social media, describing him as "a caring and lovable chatty guy", a "true hardworking gent" and a "legend of Abington".

Leanne Dines wrote: 'David Brickwood - the most generous man I ever knew! Cannot believe this has happened. This community will never be the same again. I will always have amazing memories of you Dave and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace fella xxxxx"

Anyone who was in the Lindsay Avenue area in the early hours of this morning and may have seen anything unusual is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Those with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.