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D I Nabbem, leading the case, confirmed that death probably occurred before midnight, and that a possible murder weapon had been retained for forensic testing. He declined to confirm or deny whether there were prints on the suspected weapon that could lead to a culprit.

Nabbem, speaking yesterday, stated "This was a violent attack, and appears to have been carried out in very close proximity to the party being held at the gallery at the time."

Police investigating the R T Guy murder have released further details of the crime. Pathologists have confirmed that Guy, owner of successful gallery 'Massive', was killed as a result of several blows to the skull with a blunt instrument.

More shocking is the revelation that Guy, who was found in his office at the back of the exhibition gallery, was probably murdered during the lavish preview party that was being held for artist Rip Toft's latest exhibition.

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He added that it was too early to speculate as to why somebody would take such an "absurd risk", but was confident that all would become clear as the investigation continued.

All the guests at the party are expected to be questioned, but Nabbem refused to state which, if any, were being considered as serious suspects.

Tom Wragg