The murder took place near Ffrith beach festival gardens

The body of Brian Noble Dodd, who lived in the town, was discovered by a member of the public walking a dog in a car park at Ffrith beach in Prestatyn on Tuesday afternoon.

He was lying behind his heavily bloodstained Y-registration silver Mitsubishi Charisma car.

The victim's two dogs were found next to his body in Festival Gardens.

Appeal

The crime - which police say appears to be motiveless - has shocked the quiet seaside resort.

Mr Dodd was stabbed at least 10 times

Superintendent Peter Ackerley said the attack was horrific and appeared motiveless.

"This is the worst attack I have seen in 30 years as a police officer, the injuries were significant and covered Mr Dodd's head and body," he said.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Festival Gardens car park at the time of the murder to come forward.

Officers have stepped up patrols in the area to alleviate locals fears.

Motive

The retired accountant's car has been taken away for officers to collect forensic evidence and police are trying to establish whether any of his belongings were stolen.

Mr Dodd had been married to his wife Enid for 10 years and had stepchildren.

He had dropped his wife at Rhuddlan community centre at 0920GMT and arrived at the Festival Gardens at 1145 GMT.

Officers want to know where he was during the rest of the morning.

Officers are looking through CCTV cameras and are carrying out forensic tests in the area.