Police have released a picture of a man they want to talk to after a man in his 60s was murdered at an isolated rural home - and warned the public not to approach him.
Officers were called to an address in rural Nettleden Road, which connects Berkhamsted and Little Gaddesden, at about 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
A man in his 60s, from Little Gaddesden, was dead when they arrived and a second man, in his 80s, was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police have released an image of 55-year-old Ian John McLoughlin - also known as Ian John Baker - who they say they want to talk to in connection with what happened.
He is described as a white man of average build, about 6ft tall, with straight, greying collar-length hair. He was wearing a short-sleeve grey or military green T-shirt at the time of the murder.
Police say he should not be approached, and anyone who sees him should phone 999 immediately.
Det Chief Insp Jerome Kent, the senior investigating officer from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “While the investigation is still in its early stages, we are treating the death as murder.
“We are providing specialist support to the victim’s family and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.”
Police officers are conducting extra patrols in the area to reassure the people who live there, and Mr Kent said anyone who has any concerns should speak to them.
He said: “The incident occurred in a quiet residential area and there may have been people who have seen or heard suspicious activity.
“I would appeal to anyone who believes they can assist the investigation, to contact us as soon as possible by calling the non-emergency number 101 quoting Operation Acari, or the Major Crime Unit Incident Desk on 01707 355959.”
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
