NEIGHBOURS and pub goers have spoken of their shock following the murder of 'local character' John Gogarty.

The body of Mr Gogarty, 65, known as Paddy John and Irish Paddy by friends in Wombwell, was discovered by police at his home on Marsh Street.

A post mortem found that he had died from multiple stab wounds in what police said appeared to be a targeted attack.

Regulars in the George pub said despite being quiet, Mr Gogarty was well known. 

On Tuesday, a 48-year-old Barnsley man was arrested on suspicion of murder, but was bailed the following day pending further enquiries.Two more people were arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder - a man, 43, and woman, 38, from a property on Mont Walk at 10am.

Police are also trying to trace a woman they believe holds vital information which could assist the murder investigation, and have released CCTV footage of her using a bank machine on Wombwell High Street on the Monday prior to Mr Gogarty's death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01709 443506 quoting 792 of July 17.