Family release new photo of Beeston man Leonard Farrar who was stabbed multiple times in unsolved murder

Detectives have made a fresh appeal for information into the unsolved murder of Beeston man Leonard Farrar.
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Leonard Farrar, 71, was found dead in the hallway of his home in Cardinal Road on May 4 2002.

He had been stabbed multiple times.

He was last seen alive by a neighbour in his garden at about 11.30pm on Thursday, May 2.

Leonard Farrar, 71, was killed in his home in Cardinal Road Beeston on May 4 2002.Leonard Farrar, 71, was killed in his home in Cardinal Road Beeston on May 4 2002.
Leonard Farrar, 71, was killed in his home in Cardinal Road Beeston on May 4 2002.
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That was the last known sighting of Leonard except by the killer.

Leonard's body was found after his car was set on fire on waste land close Normanton Estate.

At 10.50pm on Friday, May 3 a lone male was seen standing by Leonard’s car.

As he walked away the car ignited.

Leonard Farrar pictured aged 17 in his Merchant Navy uniform.Leonard Farrar pictured aged 17 in his Merchant Navy uniform.
Leonard Farrar pictured aged 17 in his Merchant Navy uniform.

He then made his way from the Normanton Estate towards Elland Road.

Police never located this man.

No one has ever been charged in connection with his death.

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Now, 18 years on, his family have released new images of Leonard on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Leonard Farrar working as a coach driver for Wallace Arnold.Leonard Farrar working as a coach driver for Wallace Arnold.
Leonard Farrar working as a coach driver for Wallace Arnold.

They are urging people to help detectives find Leonard's killers.

The family of Leonard, said: “We have released photos of Leonard when he was a 17-year-old in the Merchant Navy and as a coach driver for Wallace Arnold as they perfectly encapsulate him and his loving and kind side.

“Leonard was taken from us in terrible circumstances and we want people to remember him and the awful fate he suffered. His murderer is still out there.

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“We hope that by releasing these photos it might encourage someone who hasn’t felt able to get in touch with the police before to get in contact and help police with their enquiries.”

Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe of Protective Services said: “It may be nearly two decades since Leonard was brutally murdered but we are as determined as ever to bring his killer or killers to justice.

“A lot can change in 18 years – people who may have known or suspected something about a loved one at the time may have felt a misplaced loyalty to them and not said anything.

“A lot can change in 18 years – and I would urge people to consider their consciences.

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“Or someone may remember something that didn’t seem important at the time. Now is the time to come forward and tell us what you know.

“One thing that hasn’t changed is just how much Leonard’s family miss him and I am determined to get justice for them.”

She added: “The investigation team at the time established that there were no signs of a forced entry into his home and although there may have been some disturbance within the property, there was no suggestion that it was ransacked.

“Appeals have been made to trace two people – believed to be young people – who were seen watching the car on fire on the spare land at 1055pm on the Friday evening.

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"They have never been traced – they are now 18 years older – and more mature so are perhaps more prepared to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01924 821543. There will be a voicemail facility on the phone for people to leave a message.

Alternatively you can call 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling their 24/7 UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or use their anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.