Pensioner beaten to death

Police said that father-of-two Robert Carter had suffered severe head injuries at his home in New Marske, east Cleveland.

Police who searched the house also found a 33-year-old man sleeping in an upstairs bedroom of the detached home in Sandmoor Road.

He was arrested and taken into custody, where he was still being held last night.

Mr Carter, who was known to his friends as Jack, was found in a downstairs bathroom.

The 62-year-old, who had suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) for 30 years and was confined to a wheelchair, was discovered by his son on Wednesday morning.

Last night, police appealed for anyone who may have information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Colin Galloway, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a brutal attack on a lovely man. We need to speak to anybody who believes they can help."

Officers were last night planning to interview the man found in the house.

Det Insp Galloway told how the body was discovered after a carer could not gain access to the house.

Worried, the carer immediately called her supervisor for assistance.

They contacted Mr Carter's son, who arrived and made the grim discovery in a shower room.

Speaking at a Press conference Det Insp Galloway said: "This was a very tragic end for a man who has suffered for over 30 years with multiple sclerosis."

He added: "The property was cordoned off and scenes-of-crime officers entered the house.

"Whilst making a search of the house they discovered a man in an upstairs bedroom. He appeared to have been sleeping in a bed.

"It is too early to say for sure, but this man may have been invited into the house.

"We need to speak to anyone who saw Mr Carter recently.

"It is possible that he could have been in the house for around 24 hours, but this is also speculation at this time."

Mr Carter was last seen alive at about 3pm on Tuesday, at his home.

The former metallurgist for British Steel, who was divorced with a grown-up son and daughter, was a regular at the Mermaid pub, in Marske.

Forensic examiners wearing white boiler suits and protective masks continued their investigations at the scene yesterday.

Blue and white police tape cordoned off the area.

A team of police officers were making door-to-door inquiries to try to piece together the final moments of Mr Carter's life.

Neighbours paid tribute to the dead pensioner last night, telling how he used a wheelchair to get around.

Margaret Pew said: "He was a lovely man and used to go to a day centre as he had MS. His family came to visit him over Christmas.

"He was often seen tending his plants in his garden. We were quite friendly although we didn't really see much of him."

Trevor Greenwood said: "We've only lived here a few years, but I've popped over now and again to do a few jobs for him."