‘We have CCTV footage of the perpetrator, who appears to be male, but this is yet to be confirmed. Dennis Wade died just after midnight, but the killer remained at the scene for four hours after committing the murder.

‘Both the little finger, which was removed by our killer, and Mr Wade’s glasses appear to be missing. His wife has confirmed that he would have had his glasses with him. They are not at his home and have not been recovered from the scene.

‘His son, Andrew Wade, has a criminal record, with a history of assault. He is currently on bail. During his interview he told us he had not spoken to his father for some months – but a witness has confirmed that Andrew called his father wanting bail money, after his arrest on November sixth. We know that Dennis refused to help and this resulted in an argument.

‘For now, Andrew Wade is our chief suspect. There is an arrest warrant being issued as I speak, and we will be bringing Andrew Wade into custody as soon as possible. Any questions?’

His team shook their heads and Barrett gave a nod to show his satisfaction before allowing them all to get back to work.

‘Do we know where Andrew Wade is now?’ Palmer looked tired. He rubbed his temples.

Barrett, for the first time in a long while, examined his colleague’s face. Palmer was in his late thirties and had light brown hair, which he kept short. His blue eyes were framed with dark lashes and his chin was covered with well-kept stubble. Barrett noticed, for the first time, that Palmer’s hair was thinning on the crown of his skull.

‘Mrs Wade said he left Cambridge after the interview and likely returned to his flat in Peterborough. A squad car is waiting for the order to go and pick him up.’

‘He’s a nasty bastard.’ Palmer was happy to admit. ‘But do you really think he’s our man?’

‘In all honesty, Joe, I’m not sure. But he lied to us and he has no alibi. I think he knows more than he’s letting on.’

‘Sorry, sir, but I keep coming back to the finger.’

‘What about the finger?’ Barrett asked with a sigh.

‘I can’t see Andrew Wade sawing off his father’s finger. He is violent but I don’t think he’s cruel. He has a temper and reacts. There is no evidence to back up the theory that he is the kind of man to plan such a dramatic murder.’ Palmer almost instantly regretted saying this. He knew Barrett wouldn’t like it.

‘We’ll know more when we interview him again. I wouldn’t rule him out just yet.’ Barrett’s irritation hung on every word he said.

‘Yes, sir.’ It was Palmer’s turn to sigh.