The senior detective investigating the brutal murder of Bradford grandfather Clement ‘Butch’ Desmier last night urged those whose “allegiances may have changed” to break their silence and stop shielding his killers.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley last night issued a fresh appeal in the hunt for those responsible for torturing and killing the 68-year-old, days after a charge was dropped against a man accused of his murder.

Derek Newby, 63, of Rimswell Holt, Ravenscliffe, Bradford, had been charged with killing Mr Desmier in February this year, but last week prosecutors revealed the case against him had been withdrawn.

Det Supt Ridley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, reiterated the inquiry remained an “ongoing, active investigation” and spoke of his belief that there are people in Bradford who know the identity of his killers who might now come forward.

“We have had a lot of support from the community and, in terms of the people who do know who is responsible, it is possible that their allegiances have changed and they may now feel comfortable to give us that information,” he said.

“I think there are people in the Bradford area who know who is responsible and have vital information that will assist us in bringing justice to those responsible.

“I’m conscious things may have changed now, circumstances may have changed, and I’d urge those people to come forward by visiting their local police station or calling police on 101.”

Mr Desmier, who had six children and ten grandchildren, was found dead in his armchair at his home in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates, Bradford, on Thursday, August 23.

He had a pillow over his head and had suffered 70 separate injuries, including 40 stab wounds, and had been tortured before he was killed. His house had been ransacked.

Det Supt Ridley said officers had consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service after “further evidence came to light”.

“I have met his family and explained this to them and while they are obviously disappointed, they are very supportive of the ongoing investigation and want to see those responsible for the murder of their father prosecuted.”

Det Supt Ridley said: “This appears to have been an isolated incident and we want to reassure the community we are determined to identified those responsible for this brutal murder.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.