British Expatriate Found Dead in French Home After Violent Attack
Police have launched a murder investigation after an 85-year-old British man was discovered deceased at his residence in southern France.
A murder inquiry is underway in France following the death of an 85-year-old British expatriate who was found at his home after suffering what authorities described as a 'very violent beating.' The man resided on the outskirts of Verlus, a village near Toulouse in the south-west.
Last Friday night, two men were observed fleeing the property, which was occupied only by the victim as his wife was reportedly in the hospital. The suspects allegedly stole the victim's Kia car.
According to an investigative source, police attempted to stop the vehicle due to erratic driving. The occupants reportedly did not comply and fled on foot, leading law enforcement to the car owner's address. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim's body. An initial assessment by a doctor indicated the victim sustained 'very violent blows,' particularly to the head, and there were signs of a struggle within the house. An autopsy was scheduled to take place on Monday.
The property is situated in an isolated area of the village.
Jean Menvielle, the Mayor of Verlus, expressed the community's shock. He noted that the couple had been residents of Verlus for approximately 20 years after their retirement and that the victim's wife had recently fallen ill, leading to him being alone at the time of the incident. The mayor stated that the attack on the 'popular, friendly man' made no sense to the villagers.
As of Monday, a manhunt for the two suspects seen fleeing the scene was ongoing. A source from the Agen prosecutor's office, which is heading the investigation, stated that authorities are not yet certain whether the motive was theft or something else. A murder investigation has been officially launched.