First picture of much-loved ex-greengrocer Bert Allanson found stabbed to death after an alleged bungled robbery at his Wirral home

Mar 26 2012 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

Mr Allanson was found already dead.

It is understood the killer fled through the 71-year-old’s back garden. A man was arrested a short time later.

Residents heard police officers repeating the name of a suspect on a walkie-talkie while at the scene, detailing an address for colleagues to immediately visit.

Friend Mrs Taylor said: “He’d not long come back from a holiday in Tunisia and had booked to go again in the summer.

“I worked with him at Birkenhead Indoor Market where he was on the fruit and veg and I was on the sweets.

“Many years ago, he was involved in an accident on a fishing trawler that took his leg off.

“Bert was funny and well-liked. If it was anyone’s birthday, he’d put a card through the door for them. We just can’t believe this has happened.”

Mr Allanson, who formerly ran a greengrocer’s on Duke Street, lived alone and had been in his Dawson Avenue home for over two decades. He has a sister and brother, also from Wirral.

Floral tributes were left outside their house, and one said: “To Mr Bert, gone but never forgotten. Hopefully in a summer place looking after God’s garden.’

Detectives have charged Dean Brennan, 20, of Laird Street, Birkenhead, with murder and robbery. He was appearing before Wirral magistrates this morning.