Man quizzed over OAP gun murder

Published on Monday 12 January 2004 00:00

POLICE investigating the murder of an 83-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel arrested and quizzed a man in the days after his murder, it emerged today.

The 24-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, the day after Robert Riley Workman was gunned down on the doorstep of his cottage.

Hertfordshire Police said the man, who they did not name, was released the following day without charge.

Police are baffled as to the motive for murder of the widower, said to be respected and well-liked in the community.

Detectives believe the key to catching the killer lies within the community of Furneux Pelham, a tiny village in the Hertfordshire countryside.

Yesterday, prayers were said at St Mary’s Church in the village for Mr Workman, who was known locally by his middle name Riley. Parishioners spoke of their fears of having a murderer in their midst.

Rev Robert Nokes told the congregation of 60 villagers during a sombre service: "We pray for ourselves in our own local community here.

"We ask that Thou will comfort us in our shock and grief at the manner of Riley’s death."

Detectives yesterday dismantled and removed the red telephone box in the neighbouring village of Braughing, three miles from the murder scene.

An ambiguous 999 call was made for an ambulance from the phone box at 5am on Thursday, 90 minutes before the body was found.

Police have said they are considering asking villagers to hand in their shotguns or firearms for ballistics checks.