An 85-year-old British man has been found dead in France after a "very violent beating", prompting a murder investigation. The victim, identified as John A, lived on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Verlus, near Toulouse, in the Gers department in south-west France.
Suspects fled in victim's car
Two men were seen fleeing his property on Friday night after stealing his Kia car. The victim was alone at the time because his wife was in hospital. Police attempted to stop the vehicle because it was being driven erratically, but the occupants failed to comply and fled on foot. Officers then traced the car owner's address and discovered the victim's body.
An investigating source said: "When they got there, then found the body of the victim, who had clearly received a very violent beating." The worst wounds were around the head, and there were also signs of a struggle inside the house. The property was in a particularly isolated part of the village, well away from other houses, according to the source.
Village in shock
An initial inspection by a doctor pointed to "very violent blows" to the face. An autopsy was due to take place on Monday. Jean Menvielle, the mayor of Verlus, said: "Everybody in the village is extremely shocked by what has happened."
He said John A's elderly wife had recently become very ill, and so he was alone in their home over the weekend. Mr Menvielle said the couple had lived in Verlus for around 20 years, following their retirement. He added: "None of us understand why such a popular, friendly man was attacked. This attack makes no sense at all."
Manhunt continues
By Monday, a manhunt was still underway for the suspects who were seen fleeing from the car. A source working for Agen prosecutors, who are leading the enquiry, said: "We don't know whether they came to steal or whether there was another motive. A murder investigation has been launched."
