Postman murdered with baton

Mr Savage was murdered in Clayton Road

A wooden baton was the weapon used in the murder of Mold postman Paul Savage last week, North Wales Police have revealed.

At a news conference on Thursday, an emotional appeal from Mr Savage's father-in-law was read out, calling for anyone with any information to come forward.

Mr Savage was attacked as he delivered mail

The attack took place in Clayton Road on Tuesday 4 February.

On Thursday, Detective Superintendent Chris Corcoran - who is leading the inquiry - said the murder weapon was "painted dark brown or black in colour" and was found at the murder scene.

"It is 18 inches long and was found on the day of the assault fairly close to the scene," he said.

"The handle is covered with a cardboard grip - it had been deliberately made into a weapon," he added.

Police believe the baton may have been a discarded piece of furniture.

Mr Savage's father-in-law John Nash issued an emotional thank-you on behalf of his daughter Charlotte to everyone who has supported the family.

"Paul was a very special person - he was the most caring, kind, loving, considerate and funniest person I ever met," he said.

"He was a wonderful father, husband, son and friend.

The weapon could be made from a piece of furniture

"We will never get over our great loss and will find it extremely hard to live without him.

"If anyone has any information about who took Paul away from us, please come forward," he added.

Police are still trying to trace two young men in hooded tops, both thought to be aged about 20 and about 5ft 8in, who were seen at the scene of the attack shortly after 0730 GMT.

It is believed the men are from the local area, and that they could have had some kind of confrontation with Mr Savage.

Police are still liaising with Greater Manchester Police, but their investigation is concentrating on Mold.

The Royal Mail is offering a substantial cash reward to anyone for information.

Multiple fractures

It had been revealed that the 30-year-old postman, who had a four-year-old daughter, had a drugs conviction from a London court following a case involving a £1m haul of cannabis.

He moved to Mold from Sale in Manchester last summer, along with his wife and four-year-old daughter.

Flowers laid at murder scene, Clayton Road

Mr Savage, who lived in Gwernaffield, was beaten over the head on Tuesday 4 February as he delivered the early morning mail to Clayton Road in Mold.

He was left lying beside his delivery sack and bicycle and died soon after from multiple head fractures.

A family liaison officer is working closely with Mr Savage's family, who have since been moved to a Cheshire address.

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on 01352 707552 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.