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Essex death: Elderly man found in Aldham had 'energy and enthusiasm'

Essex Police Donald RalphEssex Police
Donald Ralph was found dead in Aldham in Essex on Tuesday

The family of an 83-year-old man found dead in an Essex village said he had "boundless energy and enthusiasm".

The body of Donald Ralph was discovered by police at a house in Halstead Road, Aldham, near Colchester, on Tuesday.

Essex Police have launched a murder investigation and a 16-year-old boy from Leicester was arrested in Colchester on Wednesday.

The force said it "urgently" needed to speak to Leighton Snook, 28, from Colchester.

Scenes of crime officer at the scene in Aldham
Mr Ralph's blue Volvo V50 remains missing from his home in Aldham, near Colchester

Police said Mr Ralph's car, a blue Volvo V50, remains missing but the force has established it was driven to Hastings on Tuesday morning.

Mr Snook is understood to have connections to Hastings, police said, as well as Suffolk, Hartlepool, and County Durham.

Det Ch Insp Scott Egerton said: "From the information we have gained so far, we believe this was a targeted incident."

A floral tribute left outside the property boundary in Halstead Road
Mr Ralph's family described him as "a man who loved all things countryside" and would be "much missed"

Mr Ralph's niece Tina Ralph said he "was a very young-at-heart, fit 83-year-old" who had an "enjoyment of life".

She said: "He was a man who loved all things countryside, particularly fishing and the Norfolk Broads, as well as being an avid bird lover.

"He loved horse racing and spent many a happy Saturday having a little flutter.

"Don was a unique character, who will be much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family."

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