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Finding war medals may solve Vic murder

As police search for war medals stolen from a murdered 90-year-old digger, his son says he may know who killed his dad.

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Source: AAP


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The son of a murdered 90-year-old digger believes he may know who killed his father.

Kenneth Handford was found dead in his Springbank home on his 90th birthday on September 15. Neighbours discovered him tied up and brutally assaulted.

Mr Handford's son Ken said it was widely known his father carried cash and he suspects someone local killed him.

"To have the knowledge of where to go, I think they must have been from the community. I have a certain belief of who they were, I know of one person," Mr Handford told reporters on Sunday.

Police believe the 90-year old's death was the result of a bungled burglary and are now trying to locate Mr Handford's WWII service medals, which were stolen along with some cash.

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The medals may be inscribed with his name and police have been scouring eBay and second hand stores.

The murdered man's brother Ron, 89, said his brother was tough and would have fought back.

"He was bigger than me and they would've had to put up a fight with him," Ron Handford said.

He believes it would have taken more than one person to restrain his brother.

Mr Handford was well known around Springbank and Ballarat as a kind and generous man and it was widely known that he carried cash.

Police say he often cashed cheques for people who needed money quickly and was always on hand to help out family or friends that needed cash.

The great grandfather was due to move in with his son before next winter and most of his home was packed up and ready for the shift to Ballarat.

There were electronics and expensive items in the house but nothing was taken except cash and the medals.

A blue hatchback seen driving in the area may belong to whoever killed him and police are asking anyone who may have seen the car to come forward.


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