Police have released CCTV images of East Harling murder victim Peter Wrighton visiting a shop before he was brutally killed in the hope it will jog people’s memories.

Murder detectives from Norfolk police have released a map of the route the 83-year-old grandfather took to walk his dogs on Saturday morning.

Descriptions of three vital witnesses officers believe may have information have also been put out by the force this afternoon as the investigation continues.

Around 50 police officers have been involved in the hunt for Mr Wrighton’s killer – residents are being urged to check their bins for the murder weapon.

East Anglian Daily Times: Police have named Peter Wrighton, 83, of Banham, as the victim of the East Harling murder. Picture Norfolk ConstabularyPolice have named Peter Wrighton, 83, of Banham, as the victim of the East Harling murder. Picture Norfolk Constabulary (Image: Archant)

They are looking for clues which may determine how and why Mr Wrighton’s body was found at 10.45am on Saturday in woodland near Church Road.

A post mortem examination revealed the dog walker, whose pets Gemma and Dylan were unharmed, was stabbed in the head and neck.

Detective Superintendent Andy Smith said: “This is a complex investigation and we are pursuing many leads. As part of our comprehensive enquiries, we are now in a position to appeal directly to a number of people who may be able to provide us with information that could be vital.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The route Peter Wrighton is believed to have taken on the morning he was murdered. Picture: Norfolk policeThe route Peter Wrighton is believed to have taken on the morning he was murdered. Picture: Norfolk police (Image: Archant)

The three vital witnesses police want to trace are:

• A white man, aged over 50, of a slim build with pale skin with grey or white hair which is balding on top.

East Anglian Daily Times: Police remain at the scene of the East Harling murder. Picture: ANTONY KELLYPolice remain at the scene of the East Harling murder. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

It is believed he was wearing heavy rimmed glasses and light coloured trousers.

He was seen in The Street changing into a white t-shirt.

• A white man with a tanned complexion, aged around 25 to 30, between 5ft 9in and 5ft 11in tall.

East Anglian Daily Times: Map released by police of the route Mr Wrighton may have taken to walk his dogs. Picture: CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017Map released by police of the route Mr Wrighton may have taken to walk his dogs. Picture: CROWN COPYRIGHT 2017 (Image: Archant)

He is of an athletic build with short dark wavy hair and dark eyes.

It is believed he was wearing a grey or blue t-shirt and grey floppy gym style shorts above the knee and heavy duty flip flops.

He was seen within the boundary marked on map one (above) in red.

• A white man, aged from 30 to 50, of a medium build wearing dark coloured clothing. He was seen walking without a dog in the northern area of the heath.

Det Supt Smith added: “On behalf of Peter’s family, we continue to ask for information.

“We want to hear from you if you are someone who knows this area or frequents it, perhaps to walk or run.

“We want to hear from you if you have seen Peter walk his dogs in that area or nearby in recent weeks or months, but especially on Saturday, August 5.

He continued: “I have released a map of the route that Peter travelled on Saturday and an image of him on CCTV from a local shop with the hope it will jog memories.

“We want to hear from you if you know someone who has information but who is, for whatever reason, reluctant to come forward themselves.”

• VIDEO: East Harling murder – What we know so far

Norfolk’s county policing commander, Chief Superintendent Mike Fawcett, moved to address residents’ concerns.

He said: “A policing presence will remain in the area for the foreseeable future and I hope this provides local communities with confidence that we are here to support and protect them.”

• Anyone with information about the murder or any suspicious activity should call Norfolk Police immediately on 0800 056 0944 or 0207 158 0010, quoting Operation Graduate.

Alternatively, visit the mobile police station or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.