MURDER inquiry detectives this afternoon revealed that the man found dead in a car near Labrador Bay yesterday (June 10) is their only suspect in the fatal stabbing of a 73-year-old Kingsteignton man the night before.

His name is not being revealed – but it is known that he was a 42-year-old local man.

The body of the man was discovered in a blue Skoda Fabia late yesterday morning by police probing the Sunday night murder of a man identified locally as Peter Freeman, of Chockland Road.

Det Supt Mike West, Head of Major Crime and Serious and Organised Crime, confirmed today: ‘The man found deceased within a car near Labrador Bay is our only suspect in relation to the murder and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death, which we are treating as an isolated incident.’

He added: ‘This has come as a huge shock to the family and loved ones of those involved. The family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers and relatives have asked that they are left alone and given the space they need to come to terms with what has happened.

‘A number of police officers and specialist resources will continue to remain in the area as enquiries on behalf of the coroner continue. We would like to thank the local community for their assistance and support throughout this tragic case.’

Only yesterday police said they were investigating a link between both tragedies – adding there was no apparent connection between the two men.

Mr Freeman, who had just retired from the building trade, was well liked by local residents who described him a sweet and lovely man.

The identity of his killer is expected to be released soon as inquests open to take formal identity evidence of both men.

The death of the man in the car is thought to be suicide. Police have said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Neighbours in Chockland Road reported hearing a disturbance at the address shortly after 9pm on Sunday when Mr Freeman was stabbed repeatedly by his assailant who ran off.

The detective leading the hunt for the runaway initially said the link between the car death and the murder was being made because the suspected suicide was reported near the place of the knife attack – and at about the same time.

South Devon coroner Ian Arrow has been informed of both tragedies.

Mr Freeman was rushed to Torbay Hospital where he later died from multiple stab wounds.

It’s understood the gruesome attack – with no motive yet uncovered - was executed on the doorstep of the Chockland Road property. Unconfirmed reports suggest his wife may have witnessed the assault.

An elderly woman was seen screaming in the streets in a distressed state shortly after the episode.

At least 10 patrol cars raced to the murder scene after receiving their first 999 call at 9.20pm on Sunday. Armed officers were among those responding to the shout.

The road was immediately sealed off with local residents and taxi drivers quizzed about the bloody and shocking episode. House-to-house inquiries have been carried out.

One resident said: ‘This has dumbfounded everyone. We can’t believe it has happened. Everyone is panicking about it.’

Police stressed that no one else was harmed during the drama.