THE son of murdered pensioner Alan Irwing has pleaded for the public to help catch his father's killers.

Ross Irwing, whose father was battered to death last Thursday evening, said: "I was just wondering why nobody has come forward. People can't go on being scared."

Neighbours discovered 74-year-old Mr Irwing lying in a pool of blood just yards from his High Wycombe home in Underwood Road. He died later in Wycombe Hospital.

Five teenagers have been quizzed over the death. Two men arrested on Thursday, May 19, have been released on bail pending further inquiries. Three others arrested over the weekend a 14-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were released without charge.

Police told Midweek it was possible the victim knew his attackers, dispelling rumours it was a street robbery gone wrong.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "We think the incident may have happened after a misunderstanding that has led to an argument or disagreement.

"Elderly people in the area needn't worry about groups of lads going round looking for elderly people to bash."

Flowers now adorn the footpath where Mr Irwing, a retired furniture salesman, was found shortly before 11pm on Thursday. It is thought the pensioner was walking home from a line-dancing class.

The use of a weapon has been ruled out by police.

Road has always had a bad name'
NEIGHBOURS described Alan Irwing as a "quiet" man who kept himself to himself, while others claimed the area was a popular hang-out for groups of teenagers.

Kevin Simms, who has lived in Underwood Road, High Wycombe, for six years, said: "There have been problems before with cars being vandalised.

"They (teenagers) loiter in the road or hang out in the park around the corner.

"They get up to the same old business, smoking and drinking. I guess it can be quite intimidating for older people.

"I can't remember anything like this before."

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "I never really knew him (Mr Irwing). He used to walk by with his dog. It's tragic.

"There must be more to it. You get groups of kids hanging around but you would never think any of them were capable of something like this."

Tammy Hazelgrove, of Underwood Road, described how she was woken up by a sea of flashing blue and watched as police cordoned off the road.

She added: "We only moved in last year. It's relatively quiet, but it (Underwood Road) has always had a bad name for itself.

"There's always a lot of kids about."

The Rev David Foster, of St Andrew's Church in nearby Hatters Lane, said: "Our prayers are with the family of Mr Irwing. No one can imagine the pain which they must be going through as a result of this brutal attack.

"This murder on our doorstep has left people feeling shocked and vulnerable.

"It is a major blow to our whole community and we must all work together schools, churches, police and the council and everyone who has a stake in the community to see people's trust and hope restored."

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