Villagers seek reassurance after murder

Villagers left shocked by the shooting in the UK of a retired Army officer met police tonight so detectives could ease their fears about the murder.

More than 150 of the 200 residents of Furneux Pelham, Hertshire, packed into the local village hall tonight for a meeting with officers leading the hunt for the killer of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Workman.

Lt Col Workman, 83, was blasted at close range with a 12-bore shotgun on the doorstep of his cottage last Wednesday evening.

His body lay undiscovered for nearly 10 hours.

Villagers arriving at the hall tonight spoke of their shock at the brutal killing and said they wanted answers from police about the hunt for the murderer, who could live locally.

Journalists were barred from entering the hall after a show of hands by those present before the meeting.

Speaking outside the hall, local resident Hilda Hayes-Allen said: “I don’t know how the investigation is going, and I’m hoping to find out tonight. People want to know how things are going.”

Mrs Hayes-Allen said there was an air of “apprehension and curiosity” in the area.

John Brooks, a former brewery foreman who has lived in the village since 1957, said: “I want to know how things are going on, I’m here to listen and to find out.

“That chap could have been a customer in the pub rubbing shoulders with people.”

Police revealed earlier that a 999 call made at around 5am last Thursday asking for an ambulance to be sent to Furneux Pelham was made by a local man believed to be aged between 50 and 60.

Police believe this man may have vital information about the murder.

Officers have received more than 70 calls from the public in response to the 999 call.

A Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said the response to the appeal so far was “encouraging”, but continued to urge anyone who thinks they recognise the voice to come forward.