Police Hunt Leighton Snook Over Shocking Essex Murder
Detectives are urgently seeking 28-year-old Leighton Snook in connection with the brutal murder of 83-year-old Donald Ralph in Aldham.
Mr Ralph was tragically found dead at his home on Halstead Road shortly after 1pm on Tuesday, 29 December. Police believe this was a targeted attack and are zeroing in on Snook, who is known to have links across Essex—especially Colchester—as well as Hastings, Suffolk, Hartlepool, and County Durham.
16-Year-Old Arrested, But Police Still Hunting Snook
A 16-year-old boy from Leicester was arrested in Colchester on Wednesday 30 December. He remains in custody on suspicion of murder. However, police say their priority is finding Snook to move the investigation forward.
“We urgently need to speak to Leighton Snook in connection with the murder of Donald Ralph,” said Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
“I strongly urge Snook or anyone who knows where he is to get in touch immediately. Do not approach him—contact police straight away.”
“Anyone helping those involved will be prosecuted for assisting an offender.”
Missing Blue Volvo—Vital Clue in Murder Probe
Officers are also searching for Mr Ralph’s car, a blue Volvo V50 with registration HD08 YFV, which vanished from his home. The vehicle was spotted being driven to Hastings on the morning of the murder.
DCI Egerton thanked members of the public for their ongoing support in the investigation. He pleaded for any further info to be shared as the police race to bring justice for Mr Ralph’s family.
Got Information? Contact Police Now
- Report information online at MIPPolice
- Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers UK