MURDER squad detectives investigating the death of disabled dad Eddie Maddick have now traced potential witnesses caught on CCTV cameras in Southampton.

Police today confirmed they had managed to speak to the handful of people who had been filmed near the Millbrook footpath where Mr Maddick's body was found by a dog walker on July 29.

The 45-year-old, who suffered from debilitating epilepsy, had been walking home from a rare night out when he met his death from severe head injuries.

Meanwhile Mr Maddick's widow Caroline, 43, of Bampton Close, Millbrook, turned to the Daily Echo to correct hurtful rumours she said had been circulating since her husband's tragic death.

In a poignant letter, she said: "A large number of people have questioned us over remarks and comments in the media, feeling that Eddie has not been portrayed in the way they knew him. Some comments have been very hurtful.

"Eddie was not a loner; he had so many friends and acquaintances that there are too many to list.

"He was not a regular drinker and would pop out only once in a while over the last 18 months to two years. He never had a regular place; he would go where the mood took him.

"Eddie was a member of a local social club and enjoyed quiet evenings there.

"His outings would take their toll on him and he would need several days to take things easy and recover."

She added: "Eddie was a simple man who was easily pleased, but he was also a very private man.

"He had difficult days over the past few years that would faze the majority of us.

"However, he still managed to make us smile. He would never admit defeat.."

Barry Whittle, 20, of Hill Lane, Southampton, has been remanded in custody charged with Mr Maddick's murder and is due to appear before Winchester Crown Court on Monday.