A MURDER probe has been launched after the death of a man in his 90s in a village in the area.

Police were called to an address in Hambrook near Stoke Gifford at around 10am on Saturday morning, June 22.

The elderly man named locally as Robert Moore, also known as Bob, was found dead at his home in Lane by the ambulance service.

Another man, in his 80s, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Shocked neighbours described Bob as a 'frail' but ‘lovely’ man who went downhill after the death of his wife Pat.

Neighbour and friend Andy Anstey said it was a tragedy and paid tribute to Bob.

He said: “I’ve been living here for 64 years and they’ve been living there for 50 years.

Bob was very old and frail, when his wife – Pat – died of dementia, Bob went downhill.

“Bob and Pat were very pleasant neighbours. When my dad died in 2001, they helped look after my mum until she died. Before that she was over there all the time.

He added: “He was just an ordinary old chap, he was lovely. My family used to go over there for barbecues, him and Pat were great.”

The property at the centre of the murder is a detached bungalow at the end of a quiet country lane, surrounded by just a few neighbouring properties.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Steph McKenna said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this hugely upsetting time.

“We can confirm a man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“We will carry out a thorough investigation into what has happened, and this will be led by our Major Crime Investigation Team.

“Our enquiries are at an early stage but at this time it appears this was an isolated incident and between two people known to one another.

“While there is not believed to be any ongoing risk to the public, the local community can expect to see an increased police presence in the coming days while investigative work is carried out, along with high-visibility reassurance patrols.

“As always, if you have any concerns please speak to those officers and PCSOs on patrol as they will be happy to speak and try to assist as much as possible.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and give the call-handler reference number 5224161401.

All photos by SWNS. 

(Image: SWNS)

(Image: SWNS)

(Image: SWNS)

(Image: SWNS)