Two separate murder enquiries launched after body found during search for missing man

Police detectives have confirmed that they are conducting two separate murder inquiries in the St. Austell area.

These follow a man and a woman's arrests this week in connection with a missing person enquiry. The second investigation regards what is believed to be the unrelated discovery of a body in woodland.

On Monday 30 June, police attended a property in Sticker, near St Austell, as part of enquiries into a missing man. Following the enquiries, a 39-year-old man from Sticker was arrested on suspicion of fraud. During a search, further information came to light which resulted in the man also being arrested on suspicion of murder.

A woman in her 30s from the Newquay area was subsequently also arrested on suspicion of murder. Both suspects remain in police custody. Warrants of further detention have been granted.

At approximately 6pm on Tuesday 1st of July, Police were called to woods between Truro and Probus where a dead man's body was found.

Formal identification has now taken place, confirming that the body is not that of the man who is the subject of the initial missing person investigation.

The body that was found in woodland on 1 July is that of a man in his 40s. Police are treating his death as suspicious and a separate investigation will be launched. The man’s next-of-kin have been informed.

Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft said: “While our enquiries are at an early stage, we believe these are separate investigations which are not linked."

“Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team will be considering all possible lines of enquiry and members of the public should be reassured every available resource is being utilised to do so."

“There will be an increased police presence in the area and, if people in our communities have concerns, please share them with us.”

Detective Inspector Neil Blanchard, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, added: “We appreciate how the unique circumstances surrounding these investigations may be causing the public concern."

“The discovery of a body, the day after a male suspect was arrested, has proven to be unrelated to the initial missing person investigation. The circumstances around the death of the man whose body was found will now be investigated separately.”

“There is nothing to indicate any risk to the public and we are asking the people not to speculate online as the investigation continues.”