FRIENDS of murdered pensioner Alan Irwing have spoken of their shock and anger after learning of his death.

Tributes have flooded in for the 74-year-old widower who was returning home from a night of dancing when he was attacked yards from his home.

One friend, who preferred not to give his name, described Mr Irwing as "an inoffensive, charming, mild-mannered gentleman" who would help others at the "drop of a hat".

He said: "Ally was a caring, humble, quiet inoffensive man who led an ordinary life in ordinary circumstances.

"His loss in such tragic circumstances must challenge all in authority the Government, police, educators to reflect and introduce the much needed changes to our sick society."

High Wycombe born and bred, Mr Irwing spent his early years living in Richardson Street, Desborough, and attended the local Green Street and Mill End Road schools.

School pal Ray Towersy said: "Alan was my best friend when we left school. I was talking to him only last week. He seemed fine, enjoying life.

"I bought the newspaper on Saturday as I always do. When I saw it I went cold. I just couldn't take it in. Who would do such a thing?"

Following school, Mr Irwing served with the Royal Artillery in Egypt during a two-year spell of national service.

Returning to his south Bucks roots in the early 1950s, Mr Irwing opted for a career in the thriving furniture industry working for the Holt Brothers before embarking on a 30-year career with Spring Gardens-based chair makers JC and MP Smith.

One lifelong friend, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "He was a good all-round guy. He would rather put a shilling in your pocket than take one out. That summed him up a good friend.

"It's shocking. I'm really alarmed by it. We are only as safe as we make ourselves. It just goes to show it can happen to anyone."

An enthusiastic footballer and billiards player, Mr Irwing was well known around the town.

The ex-gunner was a stalwart at High Wycombe RAFA club and was ever present on The Rye for Sunday football.

Malcolm Nuntey, steward at the RAFA club, said: "He was a very popular gentleman. He used to play bar billiards for the team. He was a normal sort of bloke the kind that wouldn't say boo' to a goose."