DETECTIVES investigating the murder of pensioner Alan Irwing have called for the public's help in solving the crime.

Neighbours found Mr Irwing, 74, lying in a pool of blood yards from his home in Underwood Road, High Wycombe, last Thursday night. He died later in Wycombe Hospital.

Det Chief Insp Pete Dowling, leading the investigation, said: "People in the local area have been very helpful with our inquiries, but we are still keen for anyone else to come forward with any information that can assist the investigation."

Neighbours reported hearing raised voices and screams before discovering the widower's body slumped on the footpath under a street light around 11pm.

Police have ruled out the use of a weapon and believe the attack may have followed a "tragic misunderstanding".

Ross Irwing, 32, told the Star that news of his father's death was "still sinking in" but urged people not to be intimidated and to come forward with any information that could help identify the killer.

Tributes have flooded in for Mr Irwing, who worked in the furniture trade for 30 years and was a keen dancer and sportsman.

Anyone with information is urged to contact High Wycombe CID on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

See the Free Press on Friday for the latest news on the murder hunt.