Detectives hunting the killers of Pudsey pensioner John Nutter were today questioning a 23-year-old man who was held in custody overnight.

The man was arrested in his home city of Leeds yesterday afternoon and brought to Bradford's Bridewell police station.

Detective Inspector Mick Oddy of Bradford police said: "We have some very strong lines of inquiry which are hopefully now coming to fruition. Other people are still being sought in connection with this offence. We'd still like to hear from anybody with any information. We still need witnesses."

Mr Nutter, 68, died after masked raiders burst in on him and his sister-in-law Mary Skilton, 56, at their home at Woodhall Park Crescent West, Pudsey on Monday, July 20. The pair were attacked and sprayed in the face and Mr Nutter died - possibly from shock, although the cause is unclear. Mrs Skilton needed twelve stitches in a head wound. They both had gold Rolex watches stolen and the robbers also took an Edwardian ring.

Afterwards Mrs Skilton made an emotional appeal for the public to give information about the attackers, saying it had "wrecked her life". She paid tribute to her companion of 15 years, referring to him as "cheerful, noisy and untidy".

"He would not do anyone any harm," she added. "It has not only wrecked his life but mine as well."

Mr Nutter was a businessman who held regular livestock auctions at Trafalgar Road, off Manningham Lane.

Soon after the attack detectives raided addresses in Bradford and Leeds to arrest three suspects, who were subsequently released without charge. The man being held today has not previously been questioned.

Last week detectives released details of a stolen Volvo car which they believe was abandoned by the killers in West Bowling, Bradford, about an hour after the attack.

Any information can be passed to the incident room on (01274) 376915.

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