Dog walker Graham Pennycook, 64, murdered in Wiltshire woods near Ludgershall

Graham Pennycook, 64, was found dead in woodland near Ludgershall after failing to return from a dog walk. Police have launched a murder inquiry and are reassuring the local community.

Dog walker Graham Pennycook, 64, murdered in Wiltshire woods near Ludgershall

Mobile police stations deployed after Ludgershall dog walker found murdered

Wiltshire Police has set up mobile police stations in Ludgershall following the murder of Graham Pennycook, 64, whose body was discovered in woodland near the polo field close to Perham Down on 24 September, bbc.co.uk reports.

Pennycook left home at around 10:00 BST to walk his dog in the woods. His wife reported him missing at 15:41 BST after his dog returned home alone. His body was recovered at approximately 17:41 BST. Based on where it was found, detectives believe he was around 45 minutes into his regular walking route.

A post-mortem examination found he had sustained "injuries consistent with an assault." No arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said he did not underestimate the impact the incident would have on the Ludgershall community. "Please be reassured that our investigation remains very much ongoing and our local neighbourhood teams will be out and about across the weekend," Walker said. "If you feel anxious about this incident, the subsequent heightened police presence in the area, or just wish to speak to an officer, please do so."

Walker urged anyone feeling anxious to approach officers directly: "Our officers are there to protect you and listen to your concerns."

Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team are appealing for information and dashcam footage recorded between 09:00 and 18:00 BST on the day in question, with particular focus on the 10:00 to 11:00 BST window.

Pennycook was wearing a blue collared T-shirt, a grey zip-up gilet, a dark-coloured baseball cap, dark blue shorts, brown walking shoes and reading glasses at the time he left home.

Investigators are asking the public to recall whether they saw anyone acting suspiciously that day, or whether someone they know came home with unexplained injuries, changed their plans unexpectedly, or disposed of clothing.

A cordon remains in place at the scene and is expected to be reduced in size over the course of the weekend once forensic enquiries are complete.

Mobile police stations will be available at the following locations:

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)