Sussex stabbing: Volunteer gardener Matthew Daley named as murder suspect after 'unprovoked' knife attack

Matthew Daley, 34, is being held on suspicion of murdering Don Lock

Police close to the scene where Don Lock, 79, man was stabbed to death (Hannah McKay / PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Police are questioning a 34-year-old man about a fatal stabbing following a road accident in West Sussex.

Matthew Daley, is being held on suspicion of murdering Don Lock, 79, in what Sussex police has described as an “unprovoked attack”.

Police have been granted further time to question Mr Daley and have until midnight to charge or release him.

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

A knife was recovered from the scene on Saturday and has been sent for forensic tests.

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."

Police search the scene close to where Don Lock was stabbed (Hannah McKay / PA Wire/Press Association Images)

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 murdered.

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.

Family members lay flowers at the scene where Don Lock was stabbed (Hannah McKay / PA Wire/Press Association Images)

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.”

Family members lay flowers at the scene where Don Lock was stabbed (Hannah McKay / PA Wire/Press Association Images)

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.”

“This is a fast-moving operation and we are still looking for anyone with information contact us.”