A GRANDFATHER was found dead in a cemetery after taking his dog for a walk.

John Gibson's body was discovered with stab wounds in the Dean Road Cemetery, in Scarborough, shortly after 8.30pm on Thursday, only minutes after his wife reported him missing to police.

Mr Gibson, known as Jack, left his Cambridge Street home at 6pm to walk his dog, Scruffy, a Jack Russell and Collie cross.

When he failed to return, his wife reported him missing and, as she spoke to police, a member of the public came into the station with Scruffy, who had been found wandering around the cemetery.

Officers carried out a search of the cemetery and found the body of the 65-year-old 20 minutes later.

Family members last night spoke of their devastation at his death.

A family statement said: "Jack was a wonderful husband and grandfather. He would do anything for anybody and was loved by everyone.

"He will be missed by everyone. We are devastated to have lost him."

A post-mortem examination yesterday indicated he died from stab wounds.

But a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "We are keeping an open mind regarding the circumstances in which the wounds were sustained. Investigators are still in the position of considering a range of possibilities."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw Mr Gibson anywhere between his home and the cemetery, on Thursday evening, to get in touch.

He was wearing a maroon jacket, blue jumper, dark blue trousers, black lace-up shoes and a black baseball cap with a red logo. His dog is white with black spots.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Scarborough on (01723) 509352.