Sussex stabbing: Matthew Daley charged with the murder of Don Lock

Daley, a volunteer gardener, was described as a 'nice guy' by his neighbours

Donald Lock died from stab wounds on a dual carriageway near Worthing, West Sussex (PA)

A 34-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Donald Lock in a suspected road rage confrontation following a minor traffic accident in West Sussex.

Lock, a 79-year-old great-grandfather who had recently recovered from cancer, was stabbed repeatedly in an "unproved attack", as police described it.

Matthew Daley, 34, from Worthing, West Sussex, has been charged with murder and possession of a knife in a public place and is due to appear in Crawley magistrates court.

Mr Lock died from stab wounds after he got out of his car following a minor road accident on the A4 near Findon.

Daley, who volunteered as a gardener, was described as a “nice guy” by his neighbours in Worthing, Sussex where he reportedly live in a one-bedroomed council flat.

Daley’s neighbour Martin Teasdale, 68, told the MailOnline: “You couldn't know a nicer guy. He never got angry. He was friendly back, he just never started a chat."

The news comes after the victim’s family gave an emotional statement at the scene where Lock, a former solicitor who had been married for 55 years, was killed.

Police close to the scene where Donald Lock was stabbed to death in Findon, West Sussex (PA)

Mr Lock’s son, Andrew Lock, told reporters that his father was 'full of wisdom, full of wit, always calm, always supportive and a perfect role model full of charm'.

“Our whole family are absolutely devastated with the loss of someone who can only be described as gentle, kind and loving,” he said.

Residents and mourners have left flowers and messages in memory of Lock where the attack took place.

A moving tribute by Andrew Lock read: "Forever in our hearts dearest dad. Now you are flying high with the seagulls. We will always look up to you. Miss you big time."

Yesterday Lock’s wife Maureen told reporters: “He was a wonderful husband for 55 years and it has to finish like this. He was just a wonderful husband.”

Detective Superintendent Adam Hibbert, of the Sussex and Surrey major crime team, said: “A man is in custody on suspicion of murder. I continue to appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision on the A24".

The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, added: “Mr Lock was the victim of a violent, unprovoked attack that he had no chance to defend himself against. His family are devastated and are being supported by specialist officers.”