DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of a Yorkshire pensioner murdered during a burglary at his home, with a reward of £5,000 offered to trace his killers.
Grandfather-of-nine Clement Desmier, a musician known locally as Butch, was discovered in his semi-detached home in Rowlestone Rise, Bradford, by neighbours who say the property had been ransacked.
The 68-year-old died of multiple injuries in what police have called a “brutal attack”, although they have not revealed whether a weapon was used.
Yesterday, detectives released images of Mr Desmier shopping in Shipley town centre in the hours leading up to his death last Wednesday.
Mr Desmier visited a local farm shop with a close friend before heading into Shipley town
centre and then returning home.
His body was found at about 4pm on Thursday by concerned neighbours who found his door ajar and discovered him sitting in his chair with a pillow over his head.
Police have said two people were seen acting suspiciously in Mr Desmier’s garden at about 3am on Thursday, shortly before his body was found.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, said: “This was a clearly brutal attack on an elderly man.
“The initial response from the local community has been pleasing and we have been getting a lot of assistance with the investigation, but it is early days.
“We remain very keen to identify who exactly these people were who were seen in Mr Desmier’s garden.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.