Murder hunt after disabled man killed

Alan Atkin, who has been confined to a wheelchair for the past 20 years, was found dead in his flat in Swan Hill Road by two female friends on Wednesday.

Last night police said he had suffered severe injuries to his face, head and body.

A post-mortem examination revealed his death was caused by his head injuries.

Confirming they had launched a murder inquiry, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Alan Carey said: "Alan Atkin was a fairly well-known figure in Scarborough who regularly socialised in the town.

"He will be recognisable to many local people as he used a wheelchair to get about.

"There was no sign of forced entry into the flat which suggests that Mr Atkin possibly knew the person who carried out the assault.

"I am therefore appealing to anyone who was a friend or acquaintance of Mr Atkin to come forward to the police as a matter of urgency. I can assure people that they can talk in confidence if that is what they wish.

"Even the smallest piece of information could be vital to the investigation."

Today officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and a police search team are scouring the nearby area for clues.

Mr Atkin's body was discovered at 3.15pm on Wednesday, April 21.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information, or who saw Mr Atkin over the past few weeks or recalls any suspicious behaviour between April 16 and April 21 to come forward.

Anyone with any information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting "Scarborough Murder Investigation".

Information can also be forwarded anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.