Detectives investigating the murder of former Royal Engineer Graham Pennycook, who was found dead while walking his dog near Ludgershall, have issued a significant new appeal for information about two men reportedly seen acting suspiciously in woodland at Perham Down on the day he died.
The latest development comes four weeks after the 64-year-old was discovered in woods near the polo field at Perham Down on Thursday 24 September, prompting a major police investigation that has left the local community searching for answers.
Wiltshire Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team is now particularly interested in identifying two men who may have been in the area on the morning of Graham’s death, with detectives focusing on the period between 10am and 11am.
Investigators believe there are still people who were in or around Perham Down that day who have yet to come forward, and are urging anyone who witnessed unusual behaviour, suspicious vehicles or individuals who appeared out of place to contact them.
The appeal represents a more specific line of enquiry in an investigation that has already involved extensive forensic examinations, searches of the surrounding woodland and repeated requests for dashcam footage.
What happened to Graham Pennycook?
Graham left his home at approximately 10am on Thursday 24 September to walk his dog, something that should have been an ordinary part of his day.
When he failed to return, concerns were raised for his welfare.
Police were alerted at 3.41pm and, approximately two hours later, his body was discovered in woodland close to the polo field at Perham Down, near Ludgershall.
Initially, his death was treated as unexplained. However, information obtained during a post-mortem examination led detectives to launch a murder investigation on 1 October.
By 8 October, police had publicly confirmed that they strongly believed Graham had been assaulted while in the woodland where his body was discovered.
The precise medical cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, nor have police released detailed information about the injuries identified during the post-mortem examination.
The circumstances surrounding his final walk remain central to the investigation, with detectives continuing to piece together his movements and establish who else was in the area at the time.
New focus on two suspicious men
In the latest appeal, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who is leading the investigation, said officers remain determined to establish exactly what happened.
“We are now four weeks on from Graham’s murder but our commitment to establishing exactly what happened to him and who is responsible remains absolute and our investigation continues.
“I am really keen to hear from anyone who witnessed two males that looked out of place, or were acting suspiciously, in the woods on the morning of the 24th September, especially between 10am and 11am.”
Detectives are asking members of the public to consider whether they saw the individuals previously, know their identities or noticed vehicles behaving unusually around the woodland.
DCI Walker added: “I am grateful for the engagement and support from the community but I believe there are people who were in, or close to, Perham Down that have not yet come forward and I would urge you to engage with our investigation.”
Police have not publicly identified the two men or confirmed that either is a suspect. Their appeal is for information that could help establish who was present in the area and what may have happened.
The timing of the appeal is particularly important. Graham reportedly left home at around 10am, and investigators have consistently highlighted the following hour as a key period in their enquiries.
Extensive forensic searches and police cordon
The murder investigation has seen a significant police presence around the woodland, with specialist officers carrying out detailed searches and forensic examinations.
The location, on military land near Swinton Barracks, was placed under a cordon while investigators examined the scene and surrounding area for potential evidence.
On 12 October, Wiltshire Police confirmed that the cordon had been removed following the completion of key forensic work.
DCI Walker stressed that the removal of the police presence did not mean the investigation was winding down, with detectives continuing to pursue multiple lines of enquiry.
The force also acknowledged the anxiety caused by the investigation and thanked local residents for their patience and cooperation.
Detectives previously appealed for dashcam footage
Before the latest appeal concerning the two men, investigators had made repeated requests for footage from motorists travelling through Ludgershall and Perham Down on 24 September.
Particular attention was given to four roads: Somme Road, the unnamed road running alongside the polo field, Shoddesden Lane and the A3026 through Ludgershall.
Detectives asked anyone who travelled along those routes between 9am and 6pm to check their dashcam recordings, even if they believed nothing unusual had been captured.
Officers also appealed for CCTV footage from nearby properties and businesses.
In previous appeals, police asked whether anyone had noticed individuals with unexplained injuries, people who had suddenly changed their plans or someone disposing of clothing following Graham’s death.
These questions formed part of the wider effort to identify potential witnesses and establish the circumstances surrounding the suspected assault.
Family pay emotional tribute to former Royal Engineer
As the investigation continued, Graham’s family released a moving tribute describing a much-loved husband, family member and former soldier who had dedicated more than three decades of his life to the British Army.
Graham served in the Royal Engineers for more than 32 years and was remembered by his wife, Jacky, as a dependable and generous man who always made time for others.
She described him as a pillar of strength within his family and friendship circles, someone whose personality could fill a room.
His interests included cars and watches, while family outings were rarely complete without an ice cream.
His family said he was deeply missed and requested privacy as they came to terms with their loss.
Tributes also emerged from former military colleagues, highlighting the impact Graham had made throughout his Army career.
Among those paying tribute was former colleague Marcus Hackney, who described serving under Graham as an immense privilege.
Another former colleague, Carl Peter, remembered him as a mentor who had offered invaluable guidance during the early stages of his military career.
The tributes, reported by Wiltshire 999s, painted a picture of a respected former serviceman whose influence extended well beyond his immediate family.
Murder investigation raises concerns in local community
Graham’s death has prompted considerable concern across Ludgershall, Perham Down and the surrounding communities.
The woodland is regularly used by dog walkers, cyclists and people enjoying outdoor exercise, making the circumstances of his death particularly troubling for those familiar with the area.
Wiltshire Police has sought to maintain a visible presence and engage directly with residents throughout the investigation.
Mobile police stations were established at locations including Ludgershall Memorial Hall and Wellington Eagles Primary School during October, giving residents opportunities to speak with officers and raise concerns.
The case has also attracted wider media attention, with ITV News, Greatest Hits Radio and regional news outlets covering the investigation and the family’s appeals for answers.
In an update to the Police and Crime Commissioner on 9 October, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper acknowledged the impact of the investigation on the community.
She confirmed that specialist officers were supporting Graham’s family and said the force believed someone held information that could help identify those responsible.
She also praised local residents for supporting officers working at the scene.
Four weeks on, key questions remain unanswered
Despite the extensive police investigation, several important questions remain unanswered publicly.
Detectives have not disclosed a motive for Graham’s murder, the precise cause of death or whether a weapon was involved.
Police confirmed on 8 October that no arrests had been made at that stage. No subsequent arrest announcement was identified in the official updates reviewed for this report.
The latest appeal concerning two men in the woodland adds a new focus to the investigation, but police have not said whether the individuals were known to Graham or what specific behaviour prompted the appeal.
For detectives, establishing who was in the woodland during the crucial period between 10am and 11am remains a priority.
DCI Walker said: “We know the area is a popular place to walk your dog, ride your bike or undertake other forms of exercise and the 24th September was no different.
“If you were there that day, and haven’t yet done so, please contact us as you may hold vital information. If you know who is responsible, you can help us seek justice for Graham’s murder.”
How to help the investigation
Wiltshire Police is appealing for anyone who was near the polo field or surrounding woodland at Perham Down between 9am and 6pm on Thursday 24 September, particularly between 10am and 11am, to come forward.
Anyone who saw two men behaving suspiciously, noticed unusual vehicle movements or has information about Graham’s final movements is urged to contact the Major Crime Investigation Team.
Information can be provided by calling 101 or through the dedicated police investigation portal:Operation Primrose – Submit information to Wiltshire Police
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As the investigation enters its fifth week, detectives remain determined to establish what happened during Graham’s final walk and identify whoever was responsible for his death.
For his family, friends and former military colleagues, the search for answers continues.