Murder victim killed on towpath of Grand Union Canal was 63-year-old former police officer

Murder victim killed on towpath of Grand Union Canal was 63-year-old former police officer

  • Former policeman Clive Porter, 63, died after he was attacked on canal towpath 
  • He died at the scene from head injuries, on Grand Union Canal near Aylesbury
  • A man and woman have both been arrested on suspicion of connected offences

A man who was murdered on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal on Monday was a retired policeman, it was revealed today.

Former policeman Clive Porter, 63, died after he was attacked on the canal towpath at Broughton, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, at around 12.20pm on Monday.

The policeman, who served with Hertfordshire Constabulary until his retirement, died from head injuries at the scene.

A man and a woman have both been arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the murder.

The male suspect was today detained in hospital where he was being treated for injuries and the woman, from Birmingham, was released pending further inquiries. 

Former policeman Clive Porter, 63, (pictured) died after he was attacked on the canal towpath at Broughton, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, at around 12.20pm on Monday

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Team said that investigations into the murder were continuing.

‘The force attended a report of an assault on the Grand Union Canal near Broughton in Aylesbury at around 12.20pm on Monday. On attendance, a man was found with serious injuries. He tragically died at the scene despite efforts of officers and paramedics.

‘Following a formal identification procedure today, the victim has been identified as Clive Porter, aged 63, from Tring, Hertfordshire.

‘Additionally, a Home Office post mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday and the cause of death is currently pending. Two arrests have been made in connection with this investigation.

The policeman, who served with Hertfordshire Constabulary until his retirement, died from head injuries at the scene in Broughton, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

The policeman, who served with Hertfordshire Constabulary until his retirement, died from head injuries at the scene in Broughton, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Forensic teams seen on the canal towpath where Clive Porter was killed on Monday

Forensic teams seen on the canal towpath where Clive Porter was killed on Monday

‘A 34-year-old man of no fixed abode has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 41-year-old woman from Birmingham has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice. The woman has been released on police bail until May 24, whilst the man is in the custody of officers receiving hospital treatment.’

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Shearwood, of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit said: ‘Officers are continuing with this investigation into the death of Mr Porter, and we have made two arrests in connection with it.

‘I would like to offer reassurance to the community that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Team said that investigations into the murder were continuing (pictured)

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Team said that investigations into the murder were continuing (pictured)

A man and a woman have both been arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the murder

A man and a woman have both been arrested on suspicion of offences connected with the murder

‘However we would continue to ask that anyone who can provide information in relation to this investigation contacts us. I would specifically like to appeal to anyone that was using the canal towpath near Broughton crossing between 12pm and 12.30pm on Monday and may have information to contact us urgently.

‘We believe that anyone there between those times could be vital witnesses.’

In a tribute to Mr Porter, the family said he had been a police officer with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

‘Clive Porter was a much loved husband, dad and grandad. He was a quiet calm and caring person, who served the community as a police officer for over 30 years before joining the Canal and River Trust. He was loved and respected by all who met him.

‘Clive had a passion for working outdoors and meeting people. He believed in caring for people and the environment through the principle of policing by the people for the people.

‘The family would like to thank the hard working investigation team at Thames Valley Police and also the family liaisons Detective constable James Armitage and Detective constable Lynda Stearman for their hard work and support.

‘The family have also been overwhelmed by all the support and messages of condolence they have received from friends, family and the wider community.’