Donald Ralph, 83, was found dead at a bungalow in Halstead Road, Aldham. Police were first called at about 1pm on Monday, responding to reports a man had been found unresponsive inside the property. One grieving neighbour described Mr Ralph as a friend with a “heart of gold, who was one of the nicest men you could hope to meet.” Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and footage of the nearby area from Monday afternoon onwards. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are supporting Mr Ralph’s family at this distressing time and would like to thank residents for the support they have given his family, as well as the help they have given our officers.
Donald Ralph, 83, was found dead at a bungalow in Halstead Road, Aldham. Police were first called at about 1pm on Monday, responding to reports a man had been found unresponsive inside the property. One grieving neighbour described Mr Ralph as a friend with a “heart of gold, who was one of the nicest men you could hope to meet.” Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and footage of the nearby area from Monday afternoon onwards. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are supporting Mr Ralph’s family at this distressing time and would like to thank residents for the support they have given his family, as well as the help they have given our officers.
Police at the scene in Aldham, near Colchester
- Credit: Sonya Duncan
A village has been rocked by the news a murder investigation has been launched following the death of elderly man.
Detectives were called to Halstead Road, Aldham, near Colchester, at about 1pm on Monday following reports a man had been found unresponsive inside a property.
The victim, Donald Ralph, 83, from Aldham, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area from 3pm on Monday and may have witnessed anything suspicious.
Officers would also like to hear from anyone who has doorbell footage, dashcam footage or CCTV from the local area.