Family man is named as murder victim found dead on riverside bench - as police continue to hunt killer
The body of Robert Brown, 57, was discovered on the canal footpath near the River Nene, Northampton on Friday morning.
Police offered their condolences to his family who are currently being assisted by specialist officers.
Northamptonshire Police confirmed Mr Brown had been found 'fatally injured' on the bench, adding that he had suffered a wound to his arm.
The exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
A cordon remains in place around the scene, with the footpath closed off and the river closed to boats as searches take place.
The River Nene is shut off to pedestrians and river traffic between London Road bridge and Nunn Mills Road bridge and will likely remain closed until Tuesday evening while the search takes place.
Police are currently appealing for witnesses or CCTV footage of the nearby area, specifically from those living in apartments that overlook the river.
On Sunday morning, a massive manhunt was launched into the incident, with house-to-house enquiries taking place and extra police patrols deployed to find his killer.
Northamptonshire Police were called by East Midlands Ambulance Service at around 6.30pm on Friday after the man was discovered on a bench behind Auctioneers Court.
Northamptonshire Police's Jen Lovatt said: 'This is an exceptionally sad incident and our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Robert's family, who continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
'His death has understandably also had a big impact on the neighbourhood and wider community, and we would like to thank them for their support while officers continue to carry out searches at the scene, as well as those who have helped with our investigation.
'A dedicated team of officers is working around the clock to establish exactly what happened to Robert.
'A forensic post mortem examination carried out yesterday, Saturday, August 2, found that Robert sustained a wound to his arm.
'However, the exact cause of death is unascertained at this stage.
'We have already spoken with a number of people as part of our ongoing inquiries but we are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have information, who we haven't yet spoken with, to come forward.
'If you were in the area around Auctioneers Court or the riverbank in that area, overnight on Thursday 31 July to Friday 1 August, and you saw or heard anything that you think may be relevant to the investigation, please get in touch.
'We are also keen to hear from local residents, especially those who live in the apartments that overlook the river and the area near to where Robert was found.
'If you or anyone you know has any camera footage, from between approximately 7.30 pm on Thursday, July 31 and 7am on Friday, August 1, or any other information that may assist the investigation, please contact us as soon as possible.
'Likewise, if you think you may have seen or interacted with Robert during this time, we want to hear from you.
'Any information, no matter how small, can help us piece together exactly what happened.'
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