Pensioner Bill Davis, 92, killed at his Willenhall home

A murder investigation was launched today after the body of a 92-year-old great-grandfather was found at his home.

Bill Davis, who served in the Royal Navy, was pronounced dead at his house in Hobley Street, Willenhall.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures from the scene

Forensic officers and detectives were today searching the house and its surroundings and carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

Det Insp Gary Plant, who is leading the investigation, said: "We understand that this incident is likely to cause shock and upset in the community and we want to reassure people that we will be painstakingly working at the scene to determine exactly what has happened."

Former Josiah Parkes locks worker Mr Davis was married to Clara, who died in January 2006.

The couple had a son and a daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His family are now being supported by specialist police liaison officers.

Ch Insp Mike O'Hara described the victim as a "very well-regarded, nice elderly gentleman" who was well known in the community.

"Our feelings and thoughts are with the family of the deceased," he said this afternoon. "We will be doing everything we can to reassure the local community.

"We are in the process of doing a witness trawl, house-to-house inquiries and the usual checks.

"We obviously have specialist family liaison officers working closely with the family to make sure they get the necessary support."

Ch Insp O'Hara added that detectives were "keeping an open mind" about the case.

Police arrived at the house just before 6.30pm yesterday following a call from paramedics, who were trying to resuscitate Mr Davis.

However, he was later pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem is now due to take place to determine the exact cause of death.

Both Hobley Street and neighbouring Fisher Street remained sealed off this afternoon while investigations continue.

A blue forensics tent has been put up in the front garden of the terraced house.

A team of officers arrived in a police van and were seen carrying shovels to help with their search efforts for any possible clues.

Officers were also patrolling the area to reassure worried neighbours.

Steve Parry, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said an ambulance was called to the street at around 6.30pm and the incident was soon handed over to West Midlands Police. He said: "We sent an ambulance crew, a rapid response vehicle and a care team to the scene.

"Despite every effort, nothing could be done to save the man. We confirmed the death at the scene and it became a police investigation."

Neighbours today spoke of their shock at the murder. Clifford Shelley, aged 60, who owns Shelley's Garage Services in nearby Walsall Road, said: "We didn't know anything until we turned up this morning.

"We just saw the road was closed off. I can't believe what has happened."

Ranjit Kaur, aged 47, of Shepwell Green, who owns corner shop King News in Walsall Road, added: "The police came to my house last night to ask me if I knew anything about what had happened on Hobley Street. I didn't know anything. It is very bad."

Willenhall councillor Diane Coughlan said the news had devastated the community.

"Obviously as a community it's not what we want to see and I find it disconcerting for the people of Willenhall," she said.

"I have every faith in the police to find out what's happened.

"It's a total shock to me. It's the fourth body that has been found in two months."

Police are urging anyone with information to call Walsall police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.