Police investigating the murder of Graham Pennycook in Ludgershall have confirmed that enquiries will continue throughout the weekend, with the cordon surrounding the woodland where his body was discovered expected to be significantly reduced.
Wiltshire Police say extensive forensic examinations are nearing completion in the woods near the polo field, close to Perham Down, allowing officers to reduce the size of the cordon over the coming days.
However, detectives have stressed that the murder investigation remains very much active, with officers continuing to appeal for information from the public.
Graham Pennycook, 64, was reported missing after failing to return home from walking his dog on Thursday 24 September. He had left his home at approximately 10am that morning.
Tragically, his body was discovered in nearby woodland later that day, prompting the launch of a murder investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, acknowledged the impact the incident has had on the local community.
He said: “As we complete our extensive forensic enquiries at the scene, we are able to significantly reduce the large cordon currently in place, and we will keep the public updated as this happens as we understand the area is popular amongst the community.
“I do not underestimate the impact this incident will have had on the Ludgershall community. Please be reassured that our investigation remains very much ongoing and our local neighbourhood teams will be out and about across the weekend – if you feel anxious about this incident, the subsequent heightened police presence in the area, or just wish to speak to an officer, please do so – our officers are there to protect you and listen to your concerns.”
Mobile Police Station Visiting Ludgershall
To provide reassurance and give residents an opportunity to speak directly with officers, a mobile police station will be stationed at several locations across Ludgershall this weekend.
Officers will be available at the following locations:
- Saturday 10 October: Memorial Hall, Ludgershall, from 11am to 1pm.
- Sunday 11 October: Wellesley Road, near Wellington Eagle Primary School, from 11am to 12pm.
- Sunday 11 October: Memorial Hall, Ludgershall, from 12pm to 1pm.
Residents who have concerns about the investigation or the increased police presence are encouraged to approach officers.
Detectives Renew Appeal for Information
As the investigation continues, detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or travelled through the area on the day of Graham’s death to come forward.
When Graham left his home at approximately 10am on Thursday 24 September, he was wearing a blue collared T-shirt, grey zip-up gilet, dark-coloured baseball cap, dark blue shorts, brown walking shoes and reading glasses.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who travelled along Somme Road, the unnamed road bordering the polo field, Shoddesden Lane or the A3026 between 9am and 6pm that day.
Officers are also appealing for anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV recordings or information about movements around the polo ground and surrounding woodland.
Detectives are particularly interested in any suspicious activity seen or heard between 10am and 11am on 24 September.
They also want to hear from anyone who may have noticed somebody behaving unusually following the incident, including individuals with unexplained injuries, those who unexpectedly changed their plans or anyone seen disposing of clothing.
Police have emphasised that even seemingly minor details could prove important in helping detectives establish exactly what happened.
How to Contact Police
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.
Information can also be submitted through the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have reassured the Ludgershall community that officers will continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding Graham’s death.