Man found dead was ‘kind and gentle'

A man who was found dead in his flat has been named by police.

Seventy-four-year-old Barry Spooner was found dead at his home in Gladstone Street Forest Fields, at around 8pm on the evening of Wednesday 7 June after concerns were raised about his welfare.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained detectives.

Mr Spooner died as a result of stab wounds and it is believed he may have been dead for some time before he was found.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area towards the end of May.

Two people, a 58-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, have been arrested on suspicion of his murder.

A 53-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All three remain in police custody as investigations continue.

Mr Spooner was born and raised in Nottingham and also lived in Germany during his time with the Royal Signals regiment.

His family said: “Barry was a kind and gentle man loved by all in our family. He was a great brother and a dear uncle who was taken away far too early. He will be sadly missed by all.

"He was a devoted family man who would help anyone in need. It is sad for us that no farewell words were spoken and that we had no time to say goodbye to him. He was gone before we knew it."

Detective Chief Inspector Clare Dean, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It is clear that Barry died a very violent death and we are doing everything we can to find out what happened and who is responsible for this crime.

“We believe he may have been dead for some time before his body was found, and would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in this area towards the end of May.

“As our investigations continue over the coming days, our thoughts will remain with Barry's family at what we know will be an extremely difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room by clicking the online link below.

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM23E49-PO1

Alternatively, you can call 101, quoting incident 390 of 7 June 2023, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.