Five held over pensioner death

Five people are being held on suspicion of murdering a 75-year-old man at his home, police have said.

Officers discovered the pensioner's body after they were called to an address in Beech Grange, Landford, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, on Friday.

The victim was named locally as Reginald Baker, who was believed to be in his 70s.

Wiltshire Police said: "A number of people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in custody."

'Disturbing offence'

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said it was believed Mr Baker had been targeted by cold-caller thieves last month.

He added they had traced a grey Peugeot 405 car, registration M862 LON, in connection with the murder.

Det Supt Steve Fulcher said no further suspects were being sought.

He added a neighbour had passed details of the car to police after witnessing two men run from Mr Baker's home to join two other men in the vehicle and drive off.

The car was seen an hour later in Bournemouth and was recovered by police in Salisbury on Friday evening.

Det Supt Fulcher said: "The likely motive was theft, burglary. This is a particularly disturbing offence."

Originally eight people were arrested, all in their early 20s and from across the south-west region.

Police released three late on Saturday night on bail and applied successfully for a magistrates' warrant to continue holding the remaining five.

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