THE brother of a man found dead at home with stab wounds has made an impassioned plea for the return of his watch.

Alan Taylor, 59, and Richard Wight, 55, were found dead at their homes in Eagle Lane, Braintree, on January 15.

A post-mortem examination on Mr Wight’s body showed that he died from stab wounds. Tests on Mr Taylor concluded he died from natural causes. It has been suggested that the men were involved in a long-running dispute and had argued over parking.

The detective leading the investigation into the men’s deaths has now appealed for information about a missing Rolex watch which belonged to Mr Wright.

Det Chief Insp Mark Hall, of Essex Police, said: “My investigation has established that the watch was last seen by a friend of Mr Richard Wight’s in early November 2011.

“I cannot presently link the absence of the watch to Mr Wight’s death, but it is clear he had owned the watch for many years and that it was of significant personal value to him.

“I believe it is possible the watch may have been taken for repair, or it may have been pawned or otherwise deposited with a local shop or jeweller prior to Mr Wight’s death.

“Mr Wight’s family are keen to trace his watch and I would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have had possession of the watch or who knows its current whereabouts.”

Ian Wight, Mr Wright’s brother, said: “Richard regularly wore his Rolex – it was his pride and joy. The family are very keen to be reunited with Richard’s watch, as it has great emotional and sentimental value. It is full of memories for us. I would urge anyone who knows where the watch may be to contact detectives.”

The watch is a gentleman’s Rolex GMT Master with a “Pepsi” bezel (red and blue), model 1015636, serial number 1832259, and was purchased in 1973.

An empty Rolex box was found at Richard Wight’s home in Eagle Lane.

Anyone with information about the missing watch is asked to call the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate in Brentwood on 101, via the dedicated e-mail address SCDAppeals@essex.pnn.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate into the deaths of Alan Taylor and Richard Wight in Braintree in January 2012 is progressing. A file has been submitted to the coroner.