Pensioner, 76, found murdered in his home

The family of a pensioner found murdered in his home have paid tribute to the "dedicated father and grandfather" who frequently helped others.

Karoly Varga, 76, was found dead at his home in Cannon Street, Wellingborough, last month, after being attacked with a weapon.

His family said they were left devastated by his death and its horrific nature.

They said in a statement released through Northamptonshire Police yesterday: "He frequently tried to help others and empathised with fellow Hungarians who arrived new to the country.

"He would offer support and knowledge he had gained over the years. It was something he never had when he first came to Northamptonshire more than 50 years ago, which made him want to help people even more."

Northamptonshire Police said that Varga, known as Charlie to friends, was a wealthy man who had a regular income through renting out properties and his pension and investments. The most likely motive for his murder was theft, the force said.

Varga's family said: "He worked very hard throughout his working life, integrating into the community and running a family business.

"He will be missed, not only by his family but those he helped as well.We plead with anyone who knew him, either as Karoly or Charlie, or has any information no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and contact the police, so that the officers can trace the last days of his life and bring to justice those responsible for the callous and brutal murder of a 76-year-old grandfather.

"We desperately need to understand why our father was taken from us so suddenly and in such a terrible manner."

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Kinchin, who is leading the investigation, said officers were following a number of lines of inquiry and appealed for anyone with any information to come forward. "This was a senseless murder of a defenceless man. It has clearly had a significant impact on the family and wider community. We cannot stress how important it is for anyone who saw anything, has any information to come forward."

Kinchin said it was thought Varga received a visitor to his front door at lunchtime on 27 July and officers would like to speak to that person.

Detectives are still searching for the missing murder weapon.

Two men and two women who were arrested have been released on bail.