Teenager held on suspicion of murder

Two uniformed officers working on the case apprehended the 17-year-old in High Wycombe on Wednesday afternoon.

Detectives have said the arrest is a "significant" development in the inquiry into the death of 74-year-old Mr Irwing.

The pensioner was found in a pool of blood just yards from his home in Underwood Road on Thursday, May 19. He died later in Wycombe Hospital.

A police spokesman said the suspect was questioned by police and detained overnight. At the time of going to press he was still in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Dowling, who is leading the investigation, said on Wednesday: "The events of this afternoon mark a significant point in our inquiries and we are pleased with the way the investigation is going."

However, he also stressed the investigation remains open and that police are still appealing for people to come forward with information.

Last Thursday police upped their investigations with a reconstruction of the attack, exactly one week on.

Eleven traffic police and crime investigation officers carried out a road check on motorists passing the Bowerdean Road and Underwood Road junction close to where Mr Irwing was found.

Police hoped the exercise would refresh the memory of anyone in the area on the night of the crime and encourage them to share information.

Police said 14 detectives are working on the case and approximately 20 uniformed officers are carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

Five other teenagers have been arrested as part of the police investigations into the death.

Two youths, aged 17 and 18, were arrested on May 19 and both were initially released on police bail.

The 17-year-old has since been released without charge.

Three others apprehended over that weekend aged 14, 18 and 19 were also released without charge.

Anyone with information they feel could help in the police investigation is urged to contact High Wycombe CID via 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.