Manhunt after British pensioner found dead with ‘violent’ head injuries

and Peter Allen Published September 28, 2026 6:48pm Updated September 28, 2026 6:48pm The man lived on the outskirts of a small village in France with his wife (Picture: Getty) A murder enquiry has been opened in France after a British retiree was found dead following ‘a very violent beating’. Identified as John A., 85, the married man lived on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Verlus, near Toulouse, in south-west France. Two men were seen fleeing his property – where he was alone because his wife was in hospital – last Friday night after stealing his Kia car. ‘Police tried to stop the car because it was being driven erratically,’ an investigating source said. ‘The occupants failed to comply and fled on foot, leading officers to trace the car owner’s address. When they got there, they found the body of the victim, who had clearly received a very violent beating.’ Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. The man was found with serious wounds around his head, and there were signs of a struggle inside the home. An initial inspection by a doctor pointed to ‘very violent blows’ to the face. An autopsy was due to take place on Monday. Jean Menvielle, the Mayor of Verlus, said: ‘Everybody in the village is extremely shocked by what has happened.’ He said John A.’s elderly wife had recently become very ill, and so he was alone in their home over the weekend. Mr Menvielle said the couple had lived in Verlus for around 20 years, following their retirement. He added: ‘None of us understands why such a popular, friendly man was attacked. This attack makes no sense at all.’ By Monday, a manhunt was still underway for the suspects who were seen fleeing from the car. A source working for prosecutors leading the enquiry said: ‘We don’t know whether they came to steal or whether there was another motive. A murder investigation has been launched.’ Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Teacher wanted pupil ‘to carry his baby after raping her in science cupboard’ Arrow MORE: Three jailed over 40,000 stolen phones linked to 40% of London thefts Arrow MORE: Man repeatedly called a phone sex line after murdering his mum Breaking News Never miss the biggest stories with breaking news alerts in your inbox.