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Boy, 16, and 28-year-old man are charged with murder after 83-year-old retired farm worker was strangled at his home in Essex village

A man and 16-year-old boy have been charged with murder after an 83-year-old retired farm worker was strangled at his home in Essex. 

Donald Ralph, 83, was found dead at his bungalow in Aldham, near Colchester, on Tuesday.

Police were seen carrying out searches at the home, after neighbours were concerned for his welfare.

Donald Ralph, 83, was strangled to death at his home in Aldham, Essex. He was found dead on Tuesday amid concerns from neighbours

Donald Ralph, 83, was strangled to death at his home in Aldham, Essex. He was found dead on Tuesday amid concerns from neighbours

A statement from Essex Police said: 'Two people will appear in court tomorrow, Monday January 4, to face a charge of murder.

'Leighton Snook, 28, of no fixed address and a 16-year-old boy from Leicester, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will both appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court to face a charge of murder.'

The statement added: 'Snook will also face additional charges of possession of an offensive weapon and theft of a motor vehicle, while the teenager will also face a charge of theft of a motor vehicle.

'Two men, aged 30 and 39, and a 21-year-old woman, all arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have been released on police bail while inquiries continue.'

Retired farm worker Mr Ralph is believed to have lived alone at the £450,000 house in the idyllic Essex village for at least 40 years. 

A neighbour who had become concerned about him raised the alarm after finding his body in his home at around 1pm on Tuesday.

Mr Ralph is thought to have been married many years ago and had no children. 

Paying tribute to her uncle earlier this week, Donald's niece Tina said: 'Don was a very young at heart, fit 83-year-old, with boundless energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment of life.

Leighton Snook, 28, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will both appear in court on Monday charged with murder

Leighton Snook, 28, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will both appear in court on Monday charged with murder 

Police were outside Mr Ralph's home on Wednesday as they investigated the death of the pensioner, who was described by family as 'a unique character, who will much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family'

Police were outside Mr Ralph's home on Wednesday as they investigated the death of the pensioner, who was described by family as 'a unique character, who will much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family'

'He was a man who loved all things countryside, particularly fishing and the Norfolk Broads, as well as being an avid bird lover.

'He loved horse racing and spent many a happy Saturday having a little flutter.

'Don was a unique character, who will much missed by his wide circle of friends, and all his family.'

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