Police renew appeal in murder inquiry

Elliot Furniss

THE lead detective in the investigation into the murder of Eye pensioner Richard Clarke has said he is sure someone in the town knows who is responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Luckett said cracking the “extremely unusual” case would require the vital input from people in the community.

Det Ch Insp Luckett, of the Suffolk and Norfolk Major Investigation Team, said the inquiry was still ongoing and there was “a long time to go”.

He said: “This is very much a live investigation and it is being investigated as a murder.

“Someone knows what happened to Richard Clarke - and what I want is for them to come and speak up. This is all about people coming to talk to us.”

Det Ch Insp Luckett said there were still “gaps” in the timeline of events leading up to the discovery of Mr Clarke, 73, on his driveway on the morning of Saturday August 22.

He said: “The inquiry is still trying to establish the full sequence of events that lead to the death. It's complex and it's a case that is going to be solved with information from the public.

“It's so unusual - that really is why I think that somebody must know what happened. If they do, they must look at themselves and they need to help us solve this - not only for me, but for the family. They need answers more than anybody.

“We have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and they have been very helpful but we have not had anyone come forward who knows what happened.

“We have got a number of people who drove past the house earlier in the evening or in the morning, before he was found. We have still got some gaps that we need to fill. I feel that somewhere in the Eye community, someone knows something.

“Someone who has heard what's happened or has information that may help us identify who's involved. If that person is able to, I would like them to come and speak to us.”

Anyone with information about this crime can call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.