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POLICE PUSH TO SOLVE SUSPECTED MURDER AFTER ELDERLY MAN POISONED

Detectives are hunting for new leads in relation to the suspicious death of an elderly man poisoned in the Hunter Valley.

The body of 71-year-old Douglas Thrift was found on a rural property at Denman in December 2018.

An autopsy revealed there was a fatal concentration of the highly toxic chemical strychnine in his system.

The strong poison was commonly used in rat baits, but is now a restricted substance.

Strike Force Farview was set up to investigate Mr Thrift’s death.

Detective Inspector Matthew Zimmer said Hunter Valley police will leave no stone unturned.

“From all accounts, Douglas Thrift was a loving father, grandfather and husband, who really enjoyed playing sports – especially rugby union, cricket and golf – and was happiest working on his farm,” Det Insp Zimmer said.

“Strike Force Farview investigators are trying to piece together how a fatal amount of this substance came to be in his system.

“Our detectives are keen to speak with those who saw or spoke with Mr Thrift in the days leading up to his death in early December 2018.

“We’re also interested in speaking to any farmers, or other members of the public, who have found strychnine missing from their properties.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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