Brief
85‑year‑old British pensioner found dead after attack in rural France
Police say the victim, John A, was attacked in his remote Gers home and his car was taken by two men who fled on foot.
By Felo News Desk · Published
An 85‑year‑old British pensioner, identified as John A, was found dead in his isolated home in the village of Verlus, Gers, southwestern France, early on Saturday, according to the Independent.
Police in Mont‑de‑Marsan were alerted around 2:30 a.m. after spotting a Kia being driven erratically; the driver ignored orders to stop and the occupants fled on foot. Officers then located John A’s residence and discovered his body.
The deputy prosecutor’s office, cited by La Dépêche, said blows to the face were likely the cause of death, though an autopsy has not yet confirmed this. Two men were seen fleeing the scene in the victim’s stolen car, and one suspect has been taken into custody, The Telegraph reported.
Mayor Jean Menvielle told La Dépêche the victim was a discreet, solitary resident who “lived a quiet life and enjoyed cycling.” He added that the motive remains unclear, with investigators still determining whether the incident was a robbery or something else.
Key facts
- John A, an 85‑year‑old British pensioner, was found dead in Verlus, Gers, France. (independent.co.uk)
- Police were first alerted at about 2:30 a.m. after spotting a Kia driven dangerously. (independent.co.uk)
- Two men fled the scene in the victim’s car; one suspect has been detained. (independent.co.uk)
- Deputy prosecutor’s office believes facial blows caused death, pending autopsy. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “British pensioner, 85, ‘beaten to death’ in France as suspects flee in his stolen car”
