DETECTIVES were last night continuing to treat the death of a 49-year-old Suffolk man as "unexplained" after he was found in his garden with a fatal stab wound.

DETECTIVES were last night continuing to treat the death of a 49-year-old Suffolk man as "unexplained" after he was found in his garden with a fatal stab wound.

The body of Barry Crane was discovered at his remote home in Rattlesden, near Bury St Edmunds, late on Wednesday night.

Last night, a post mortem examination concluded he died from a stab wound to his chest

A police spokesman said: "Police are continuing to treat the death as unexplained at this time and further inquiries will be carried out tomorrow in relation to this matter."

Mr Crane's body was discovered at about 10.10pm on Wednesday at his home in Francis Farm, Woolpit Road, on land owned by Rattlesden Farms Ltd.

The property, which Mr Crane is believed to have shared with his elderly father, was yesterday sealed off as scenes of crime officers worked to uncover the cause of death.

The discovery by a member of Mr Crane's family sent shockwaves through the close-knit community.

Resident Wally Moore said: "It is a massive shock and terrible that something like this could happen on your doorstep.

"This kind of thing just doesn't happen in Rattlesden. It is a quiet village and people mix well. I didn't know the man but it is still very sad and I just hope it was nothing more sinister."

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "The whole thing is most astonishing as Rattlesden is just your usual picturesque, quiet Suffolk village.

"Quiet a few people have lived in the village all their lives and I am sure the whole community will be shocked and saddened by this."

No one at Rattlesden Farm Ltd was available for comment yesterday but a neighbouring landowner said prayers would be said for the family of Mr Crane.

Barry Phillips, owner of B.P. Engineering Services Ltd, which is close to the scene, told the EADT: "I am sure everyone is feeling shocked that something like this has happened."