Retired colonel shot dead

Police officers at the house in Furneux Pelham

An 83-year-old man has been shot dead on the doorstep of his home in a Hertfordshire village.

Robert Workman, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, was discovered on Thursday in the doorway of his home in The Causeway, Furneux Pelham, near Buntingford.

Police said Mr Workman had "literally been blasted with a shotgun" after answering his door on Wednesday evening.

His body was discovered on Thursday morning by a carer who visited the cottage three times a day.

No motive

Mr Workman had lived in the property for 27 years. His wife, Joanne, died last year.

Nothing was believed to be stolen and there was no sign of a break-in, according to police who described the murder as "shocking and disturbing".

Detective superintendent Richard Mann, of Hertfordshire Police said: "We think Mr Workman has answered the side door to his cottage, possibly on the previous evening and has literally been blasted with a shotgun.

"We have got no reason or motive for that at this stage.

"From all the people we have spoken to, no-one has had a bad word to say against him.

"We are asking people if they know anyone who has access to a shotgun, who was out late on Wednesday evening and who came home in an agitated or anxious state?

"We need to hear from them straight away.

"This is a shocking and disturbing offence against a defenceless 83-year-old man and we need the public's help to trace anyone who may have been involved in his death."

Mr Workman, who has family in Australia, was with the Royal Green Jackets in World War II.

'Back of beyond'

He was described by villagers as a quiet man.

Gemma Knight, clerk of Furneux Pelham Parish Council said: "Mr Workman was very old school.

"He still drove around the village and I saw him in the pub when he came in for his Christmas lunch.

"It is most bizarre. Nothing happens in this village, seriously nothing ever happens.

"The village is in the back of beyond and unless you knew the place you would have no reason to come here."

Police presence in the village was to be stepped up and an appeal has been made for information.