Killed Colonel 'was a saint'

Robert Workman, a former Royal Green Jacket, lived alone

A friend and neighbour of a retired colonel shot dead on his doorstep has paid tribute to someone he described as a "truly saintly man".

Robert Workman, 83, was gunned down on Wednesday at his home in Furneux Pelham, Hertfordshire.

The widower, known as Riley, was found by his carer at 0600 GMT the next day.

On Monday, lawyer Edward Davidson, who lived close to the veteran World War II soldier, praised his friend.

He said that Mr Workman had cared for his wife Joanna from 1995 until her death last year after she underwent spinal surgery.

Mr Davidson said: "He was truly a saintly man, sometimes I would say to him: 'Riley, you are a saint'.

Forensic officers have been searching the house and grounds

"He would throw up his hands in rejection of such a compliment. 'No, I am just an old man, doing what I can, I wish I could do more for Joanna'. "

Police have still not established any motive for the killing.

Mr Workman had silverware in his cottage, but it appears nothing was taken.

He had not used the safety chain when he answered the door to his killer.

Hertfordshire Police have revealed that in the early hours of the following morning, and before Mr Workman's body had been discovered, a man made a 999 call and asked for an ambulance to be sent to Furneux Pelham.

In the 20-second call the man gave no address and did not identify himself.

An ambulance crew arrived in the village at about 0500 GMT but when no-one waved them down they left.

On Monday, police revealed they may release the tape of the phone call, which was made from a call box in the neighbouring village of Braughing, three miles from the murder scene.

Detective Superintendent Richard Mann, who is leading the murder hunt, said: "If the tape is released it may provide the final piece of the jigsaw for someone who may have suspicions about another person."

Served in WWII

On Monday night more details about Mr Workman emerged.

Born in Gloucestershire, Mr Workman graduated from Oxford University, serving in the army in World War II in the Far East.

He served in Cyprus during the troubles and was later Aide de Camp to Field Marshall Sir William Slim.

Following his retirement from the army he was involved in the antiques business with his sister.