Detectives are expected to issue a fresh appeal in the hunt for the killer of Bradford grandfather Clement ‘Butch’ Desmier after the charge against a man accused of his murder was dropped yesterday.

Derek Newby, 63, of Rimswell Holt, Ravenscliffe, Bradford, had been charged with the murder of 68-year-old Mr Desmier in February this year and had already made several preliminary appearances at court, with a date for his full murder trial set for July 1.

But yesterday, in a further twist in the complex investigation, prosecutors revealed that the murder charge against Mr Newby was being dropped.

A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We have issued a discontinuance notice.”

Following the charge being brought against Mr Newby, detectives carried out further investigations into the murder.

Last night, a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “During the course of our investigations, further evidence came to light which has meant we are not pursuing him at this time.”

Residents in Ravenscliffe were shocked when told of the latest developments and said boards had been removed from the door of Mr Newby’s flat yesterday.

There was no answer at the flat when the Telegraph & Argus knocked on the door.

Eccleshill councillors Geoff Reid and Ann Wallace were also alarmed to hear the news and urged people to come forward to help with any fresh appeal to find Mr Desmier’s killer or killers.

Coun Reid (Lib Dem) said: “It is distressing that this one is going on so long. I am sure there are people who still have evidence to give, and I wish they would.” He continued: “It was very distressing for the Greengates community. Of the former council estates in Eccleshill ward, we think of Greengates as the most stable. Within the community, they thought it was a blow to their confidence.

“I just hope that if the police have dropped the charges against the wrong person, that this does not detract from their efforts to find the right person.”

Coun Wallace said: “If they don’t think that person is the guilty one, we have to find the right one.

“We have to ask people with information to come forward.

“We have to keep hoping that people are brave enough to come forward and help.”

Detectives are expected to issue a new appeal for information in the coming days following the latest development.

Mr Desmier, who had six children and ten grandchildren, was found at his home in Rowlestone Rise, Ravenscliffe, on Thursday, August 23, last year.

During his first appearance in court in February, wheelchair-bound Mr Newby was pushed into court by security officers to face the charge.