This was the first picture to emerge of Dennis Kellond, whose death has sparked a murder investigation in Surrey
Detectives probing the killing of an 88-year-old widower in a quiet village have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.
‘Lovely chap’ Dennis Kellond died from a head injury and his body was found by his son Peter on Monday in a tragedy that shocked the small local community of Godstone, Surrey.
Peter visited his father after being alerted to a possible problem by a female neighbour who was concerned the pensioner’s back door had been left open for more than 24 hours.
Surrey Police announced this afternoon that a 41-year-old man from Lingfield has been arrested and is currently in custody.
East Surrey Chief Inspector Alan Sproston said: ‘The latest development in this investigation should go some way to reassuring the local community that we are doing everything we can to find out what has happened and to identify and bring to justice those responsible for this horrendous crime.
‘Our thoughts remain with Mr Kellond’s family at this time who are being supported by specialist officers.’
A forensics team are pictured looking for evidence close to the Surrey property following the pensioner’s death
Pictured: The property burglars broke into as police search for Dennis Kellond’s killer
Police are pictured at the scene scouring for evidence after the 88-year-old died in Godstone
Surrey Police officers are pictured searching Godstone following the discovery of an 88-year-old’s body in the village
Mr Kellond lived alone in Godstone after his wife died and his death during the Covid-19 lockdown has left the village reeling.
Local reverend Peter O’Connell from St Nicholas Church paid tribute to Mr Kellond, who he said was an active part of the community.
He said: ‘You sort of expect that if absolutely terrible things happen in the world then it’s not going to be anything here and especially not to someone who is 88 and no threat to anyone.’
Mr Kellond was also known as an avid fan of the ball game petanque, and a GoFundMe initiative has been set up raising money to name a pitch in honour of his memory.
Officers are pictured investigating in Godstone, Surrey, following the 88-year-old’s death
The map shows where Godstone is in Surrey, with the village lying just outside the M25 in south-east England
A female neighbour, in her 70s, said that the suspected murder followed a ‘spate’ of break-ins in the area – with burglars reportedly wearing hazmat suits.
Speaking yesterday, Surrey Police revealed that Mr Kellond had died of a head injury.
A spokesman added that teams of officers have been carrying out house to house enquiries, forensic and search units have been making detailed investigations, and detectives are continuing to question people.
Officers have also stepped up patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
Neighbours previously revealed that burglars wearing hazmat suits had struck at four houses in the village just days before Mr Kellond’s body was found.
One woman said : ‘According to the police it’s because everyone is at home so they aren’t burgling houses, but sheds instead. That’s the police’s theory anyway.’
Dennis Kellond, 88, from Godstone Boules Group, of which he was a member, pictured while playing Boules with fellow members and friends (centre with tape). He was found dead at his home in Godstone by his son on Monday
Kellond, third from left, was found dead at his home in Surrey by his son, with a post-mortem revealing he died of a head injury
Detectives from a major two-county crime team were called in to carry out inquiries around the crime scene while the hunt for the pensioner’s killer or killers continued.
In an appeal on Wednesday, Chief Inspector Alan Sproston called on anyone with any information or video to come forward.
He said: ‘Firstly, I would like to reassure the local community that we are doing everything we can to find out what has happened and to identify and bring to justice those responsible for this horrendous crime.
‘Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this time who are being supported by specialist officers.’
A fundraiser to name a pétanque green in Mr Kellond’s honour can be accessed here.
Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police quoting reference PR/P20095551.