TRIBUTES have been paid to an elderly man who died after an alleged attack in his own home.

As reported, police have launched a murder investigation after Charlie 'Nobby' Taylor died at 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 1, 15 days after an incident at his flat in Phyldon Close, Parkstone.

Police yesterday confirmed Mr Taylor suffered a head injury. Matthew Locks, who is also known as Matthew Hawkesworth, of Ashley Road in Poole, has already been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the incident.

He is next due to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on January 17.

Friends and neighbours have paid tribute to Mr Taylor following his death.

Next door neighbour Karen Briggs told the Daily Echo: “We moved next door to Charlie about two years ago and when we first knew him he was happy-go-lucky man.

“Recently he’s been a bit more reserved but he was a man who would do anything for anyone.

“Everyone around here is very upset about what happened.”

She said Mr Taylor, who lived alone, had many family members living in the area and also had a little dog.

Another neighbour and friend of 50 years, who did not want to be named, said: “Charlie could be a bit abrupt with people but he would help anybody and do anything for them.

“He and his brother worked for me as heating engineers 50 years ago.

“I lived abroad for many years after that but when I came back I met up with Charlie again and we have been close friends ever since.”

He said Mr Taylor had spent many years working in the oil industry in Iraq and Iran. Mr Taylor’s partner died several years ago, he said,

Officers from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team are probing Mr Taylor’s death. Detective Inspector Richard Dixey said: “We have regularly updated the family of Mr Taylor during the course of the investigation and our family liaison officers will continue to support them.

“Due to the ongoing court process it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment any further at this stage.”

Anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken to officers is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting occurrence 55180202137.