The sister of a man who was killed in an unsolved torture and murder 10 years ago broke down in tears during an emotional interview, asking if anyone can help give the family closure.
As previously reported, Alan Wood’s hands were bound with sellotape and he had been stabbed repeatedly in the head at his home near Bourne in 2009.
Murder victim Alan Wood. Photo: Lincolnshire Police
His throat was then cut, which was the fatal injury. The most disturbing element of the attack came after his death – a deep wound to the back of his neck suggesting an attempted decapitation.
Alan was seen for the very last time on October 21 and three days later his body was found in his home in Edenham Road in Lound near Bourne on October 24.
Family and friends gathered for a special reunion at the Willoughby Arms pub in Little Bytham. Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Family and friends gathered for a special reunion at the Willoughby Arms pub in Little Bytham during the evening of Wednesday, October 23.
Alan’s sister Sylvia Allett described him as a “very gentle kind man” and said “he liked a quiet life”.
In an emotional interview with Lincolnshire Police, Sylvia said: “Alan was brutally murdered 10 years ago, which was an absolutely shocking, awful thing, to happen to anybody, but it devastated our family and we haven’t got over it even now. Ten years on we miss him like crazy.
“To know your brother was terrified for hours and knowing he was going to be killed. They must have singled him out for some reason because you wouldn’t turn up where he lived randomly and knock on someone’s door and do what they did.
“They must have followed him back to his house at some point for a reason whether they thought he was somebody he wasn’t or they thought he had more money than he did, so that’s the biggest why, not even who, because there’s a lot of horrible people in the world, but why pick on him, and that’s the biggest question we would like to have answered.
“We’re really asking people if they have any information at all that can help find these people or person that did this to him, that they come forward and tell the police, because me and my family need closure.”
Lincolnshire Police’s engagement van has been in Stamford and Bourne this week. Photo: Lincolnshire Police
Martin Holvey, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “I am exceptionally grateful for the extensive coverage from the local media over the past week. These efforts have undoubtedly contributed to new information being reported which we are now looking into.
“I would also like to thank those who have visited us in Stamford and Bourne this week or who have got in touch with us.
“Even the smallest piece of information could be important to us – you will not be wasting anyone’s time and it could even finally bring justice for Sylvia and her family.”
Flowers laid where Alan’s home, Manor Lodge, used to be. Photo: Lincolnshire Police
A £40,000 reward is being offered by Sainsbury’s, where Alan worked, for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.
Crimestoppers have added £10,000 to the reward, bringing the total to £50,000, making it one of the largest offered in a UK murder investigation.
Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101 or via email at [email protected] quoting reference 111 of October 9, 2019.
It can also be reported through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.
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Update: Lincolnshire Police said on June 30 that Benjamin Flatters has now been detained.
A 31-year-old Lincolnshire man is wanted by police in connection with a serious assault, just months after he was given a year-long prison sentence.
Benjamin Flatters, 31, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in December 2021 after he frightened a woman and her grandson by arming himself with a knife he’d taken from the room of another resident at a motel he was staying at.
He admitted two charges of affray and possession of a bladed article after this incident, and it is not the first time he has been in trouble with the law.
Flatters was given a two-week jail term in 2013 when he posted offensive comments on Facebook regarding the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in London.
He had sent messages of a “grossly offensive” nature, aimed towards Muslims and extremists, while also being charged for allegedly sending messages of a sexual nature to underage girls and offering to supply drugs via social media.
He is now wanted by officers in connection with another serious assault, and if you have seen him or know where he is you should contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.
A Lincoln village pub which has been shut for six years is set to get a big refurbishment in the hopes of securing its future.
The Horse and Jockey on Waddington High Street could get a bigger beer garden, interior redecoration and extensive improvements to the outside.
Operator Stars Pubs and Bars wants to find a new operator for the country pub once work is complete.
The list of proposed changes include a new canopy, alterations to the conservatory, a 70% bigger patio, a replacement main entrance, external redecoration, internal alterations, an electric vehicle charging point and an accessible toilet.
The application says: “The premises are currently vacant and have been so for approximately 6 years. The proposals are designed to re-instate a viable public house operation and to make best use of the premises and its existing facilities.”
It adds that the building needs “considerable investment in order to address ongoing wear and tear”.
The pub’s owner hopes to find a new operator | Photo: Google
The Grade II listed building is located on the junction of High Street and Manor Lane.
Parts of the building date back to the 18th century, with various extensions added.
It closed around 2016 as many pubs found trade increasingly difficult.
Bridgeway Contracts have drawn up designs for refurbishing the country pub and making it appealing to customers again.
A report into the application says that the changes would “protect the heritage asset, reduce any potential negative effects on the Conservation Area from a significant building being unoccupied and to mitigate risks associated with medium term vacancy such as vandalism and theft.”
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