Officers searching for the killer of a retired farm worker allegedly beaten to death during a burglary have released an image of a man they want to talk to.

Members of the public have been warned to stay away from Leighton Snook, 28, who could be in Sussex.

He is wanted in connection with the suspected murder of Donald Ralph earlier this week.

Mr Ralph, 83, was found dead at his home in Aldham, near Colchester, on Tuesday.

Mr Snook is said to have links across Essex and to Hastings in East Sussex, Hartlepool and County Durham.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We urgently need to speak to Leighton Snook in connection with the murder of Donald Ralph.

“I would strongly urge him, or anyone who knows of his whereabouts, to contact police.

“I ask members of the public not to approach him but to call police immediately.'

“Anybody who is found to be assisting those involved in Mr Ralph's murder in any way will be subject of a thorough investigation and could find themselves prosecuted for assisting an offender.”

A 16-year-old boy from Leicester, who was arrested last night in connection with the police investigation, remains in custody.

Detectives said that Mr Ralph blue Volvo V50 was missing and suggested that it may have been taken by his killers.