John Agner, an 85-year-old British man who had lived in rural southwest France for 20 years, was found beaten to death outside his home after police pursued his stolen car. Investigators believe burglars may have been involved, but the motive is unclear: prosecutors have opened a murder investigation and, according to the article, only one suspect has been arrested so far.

Agner lived alone after his wife, Susan, was taken ill and moved to hospital. Police are looking for three possible accomplices; the only item reported missing was his eight-year-old Kia Ceed, while neighbours said the house held few valuables. A neighbour suggested his comments about having money might have attracted attention, but this remains speculation; residents of the hamlet of Verlus have been left shocked by the killing.