A MAN in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an 80-year-old pensioner.

The man was arrested this morning (Tuesday) over the stabbing of Albert Wright at his home in Trelawney Road, Hainault, on Friday evening.

He is being held at an east London police station.

A 48-year-old man was arrested in connection with the murder on Saturday, but he has now been released, with no further action being taken by the police.

Mr Wright, who was known as Burt, is thought to have driven home at about 5.30pm on Friday and police believe he was repeatedly stabbed at some point between 6pm and 7pm.

Neighbours have described Mr Wright as “one in a million” and said his murder had shocked the whole community.

Joanne Ryan, 49, who lives across the road from his home, said: “It's such a tragedy for someone to go like that.

“Considering his years, he was not frail. If people went on holiday, he would feed the animals and water the plants.

“The sad thing is, he was always here for all of us and we were at home when it happened, not realising what was going on behind a closed door.”

Another neighbour, Dianne Himpfen, 45, said she had also been at home when Mr Wright was murdered, but had heard nothing.

“What's so devastating for all of us is that he was such a lovely man and if we knew anything was going on, there would have been 10 or 15 people down there.

“He was just a wonderful man.”

Karen Rowan, 45, who also lives nearby, said: "He was one in a million.

“He'd been my neighbour for 27 years. Every time I look out of the window (at his house) I keep crying.

“He's not long ago lost his wife. She died about six months ago.

“He nursed her and he was just getting himself back on his feet and going out again.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call the police incident room on 020 8345 3985 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.