Neighbour finds 93-year-old friend stabbed to death

The victim, named locally as Albert Taylor, was found by his old friend and neighbour on the common at the front of his house on Longridge, in Knutsford, Cheshire, shortly after 8.30am yesterday.

Jim Comley, 76, who has known Mr Taylor for 37 years, said he was "shocked" at the death of "such a nice fella with no enemies". Mr Comley said his neighbour was known in the area affectionately as "Old Bob".

Cheshire police have said the pensioner suffered a single stab wound. They are treating his death as suspicious.

Mr Comley said a bloodied knife was found just a yard from Mr Taylor's body.

"It was a shock to find him," he said today.

"I looked through the window and thought I could see an old coat on the grass but then I went out and found him and called the police. There was a knife just a yard from him."

He added: "It was like a carving knife or kitchen knife, about six or seven inches long. There was one side covered in blood."

A post-mortem examination is under way and the results are expected this afternoon. Officers said they will officially identify the man once all his next-of-kin have been informed.

Mr Comley and his wife Ann, 72, said Mr Taylor had been in the army and decorated for his service in the Second World War. He was active and keen on fishing and painting, they added.

"He wasn't that steady on his feet and he had a walking stick but he still liked walking about, and still got the bus. He liked his fishing too." Mr Comley said.

This morning, a white forensic tent stood on the grass common onto which Mr Taylor's house faced. A small area around the property was cordoned off with yellow tape as several police officers stood guard.