New appeal to find OAP's killers

Police described the killers as "animals"

Detectives hunting two conmen who murdered a pensioner have renewed appeals for information and witnesses.

Kenneth Pritchard, 85, died after being attacked in front of his wife Flora in their Wolverhampton flat on Friday.

Two bogus council officials tricked their way into the couple's home and hit Mr Pritchard across the head as he tried to protect his wife.

A 16-year-old and a 24-year-old man were arrested on Saturday but both have been released without charge.

Kenneth Pritchard was 'gentle and polite'

Mrs Pritchard is being comforted by police officers and relatives following the incident.

A West Midlands Police spokesman urged anyone in the area of Hallet Drive between 1400 BST and 1500 BST on Friday to come forward.

A post-mortem examination established Mr Pritchard, a retired factory worker, died of heart failure believed to have been brought on by stress.

Chief Inspector John Colston said Mr Pritchard died after going to the aid of his 83-year-old wife, Flora, who was confronting two men who had posed as council officials checking for damp.

'Resisted attack'

"He was trying to protect his property and everything else," said Mr Colston.

"He and his wife certainly didn't acquiesce. They didn't just sit down and take it. Force was used on them because they were resisting."

Mr Pritchard managed to phone police after the men left, but then collapsed. Officers were unable to resuscitate him.

More than 100 officers have been drafted in to help in the investigation.