Man, 30, held over death of pensioner

Grandfather-of-nine Clement Desmier, a musician known locally as Butch, was discovered in his semi-detached home in Rowlestone Rise, Bradford, by neighbours who say the property had been ransacked.

Police have confirmed the 68-year-old died of multiple injuries, although they have not revealed the severity of the attack or whether a weapon was used.

A 30-year-old Bradford man was arrested at 4pm on Saturday on suspicion of Mr Desmier’s murder, and yesterday evening was facing his fourth night in custody after detectives from the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) secured an extension.

Mr Desmier, a father of six, was well known in the area and used to play guitar in several pubs and music venues across Bradford and Shipley.

The pensioner’s body was found at about 4pm on Thursday by concerned neighbours who found his door ajar and discovered him sitting in his chair with a pillow over his head.

Police have said two men were seen acting suspiciously in Mr Desmier’s garden at about 3am on Thursday – shortly before his body was found.

Detectives yesterday continued an appeal for information, with hundreds of posters distributed across the area.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said: “Mr Desmier was a very much-loved father and grandfather.

“His family are distraught.

“It is a tight-knit community here and a low crime area with very few burglaries.”

It is understood Mr Desmier had six children: Paula, 43; Adele, 41; Nicki, 41; Carl, 40; Lorna, 27; and Becky, 25; as well as nine grandchildren.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the West Yorkshire Police HMET on 101.