Anxious villagers have revealed they are living in fear following the brutal murder of an elderly dog walker in woodland near Thetford Forest as the killer remained on the loose.

Ipswich Star: The murder scene in woodland near East Harling. Picture: SONYA DUNCANThe murder scene in woodland near East Harling. Picture: SONYA DUNCAN (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Norfolk Constabulary confirmed a murder hunt has been launched after the 83-year-old father-of-two – who has not yet been named – suffered multiple stab wounds to his neck and head in woodland near East Harling.

A member of the public raised the alarm after the body of the pensioner, who hails from the local area, was discovered in woodland near the Fiveways Junction on Saturday, at around 10.45am.

READ MORE: Dog walker, 83, stabbed multiple times in neck and head in woodland near Thetford Forest

Police revealed they were unclear about the motive behind the attack, describing it as “out of the ordinary”. However, they have increased patrols in the area in an effort to reassure the public.

East Harling Parish Council vice-chairman Elizabeth Mould, who revealed the woods were popular with dog walkers, said: “I was there last Friday on my own and there are quite a few ladies who go on their own. It’s very unusual and scary what’s happened.”

READ MORE: Police remain at woodland on Norfolk/Suffolk border after murder investigation launched

Councillor Colin Forder said details of the attack were scarce. He added: “I have two children and we often take the dog for a walk in the woods so it’s worrying.”