“kind, gentle” 74-year-old man who was fatally stabbed whereas strolling his canine in Sheffield has been named by police.

Roger Leadbeater was stabbed whereas out with springer spaniel Max in an space of parkland off Shortbrook Close in Westfield on Wednesday night, South Yorkshire Police stated.

A 32-year-old lady has been arrested on suspicion of homicide and stays in police custody.

Mr Leadbeater labored for Sheffield City Council, driving particular wants youngsters to high school, his household stated in a tribute launched by the pressure on Friday, together with a photograph.

As a household, we are able to barely consider such a sort, light soul may very well be taken in such a method

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In a joint assertion they stated: “Roger was a 74-year-old man out walking his beloved dog, Max, when his life was taken in the most brutal and cruel way.

“Even as Roger lay fatally injured, Max never left his side.

“Roger doted on his family and was a good, hard working and decent man.

“Even at 74, he still worked for Sheffield City Council, driving children to school with special needs.

“As a family, we can barely believe such a kind, gentle soul could be taken in such a way.”

Officers had been known as simply earlier than 11pm on Wednesday to studies a person had been stabbed within the chest.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene the place Mr Leadbeater was declared useless.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Bowell, main the investigation, stated: “I know incidents like this can have a devastating impact on the wider community and I want to reassure you we are working around the clock to piece together the circumstances of what happened on Wednesday evening that led to Roger’s tragic death.

I continue to urge anyone who has any information that could help the investigation to contact us

“The community who live in the area will continue to see an increased police presence in Westfield as the murder investigation continues at pace.

“If you see our officers, please don’t hesitate to stop and speak to them – they are there to support the community at these most difficult of times.”

A autopsy examination on Friday confirmed that Mr Leadbeater died because of a number of stab wounds.

Ms Bowell added: “I would encourage the public to avoid speculation into what happened as our inquiries continue, and would also ask that the family’s privacy is respected. They are heartbroken and grieving.

“I continue to urge anyone who has any information that could help the investigation to contact us.

“We are really keen to speak with anyone who may have seen anything out of the ordinary in the area in the hours leading up to 11pm, or in the early hours of Thursday morning, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area surrounding Shortbrook Close.

“If you are uncomfortable speaking to the police directly you can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously.”

Anyone with data which may help officers is requested to contact 101 quoting incident quantity 1192 of August 9.