Detectives issue urgent appeal in Ipswich murder investigation
William McNicholl was found on New Years Day.
Two weeks after the body of a man was found in Ipswich, detectives investigating his murder are continuing to appeal for information, particularly looking for dash-camera footage from the area on Christmas day.
Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.
Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.
Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.
A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.
Current enquiries are focussing on Christmas Day.
Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of the Joint Major Investigation Team said: “We are renewing our appeal for anyone with any information or who saw anything suspicious.
“In particular we are focussing on the Chantry area on Christmas day.
“Perhaps you had visitors who would have driven along the roads in the Hawthorn Drive, Gippeswyk Park, Birkfield Drive and Belstead Road areas, or you may have done so yourself.
“If you, a friend or a relative, were in the area and saw anything suspicious, or you were driving and have a dash camera, please get in touch with us. Please share this appeal with visitors who may have been in the area on the day but may not live in the area and might not see this.
“No matter how small you feel a piece of information may be, it could be important in finding out who is responsible for Billy’s death.
“We believe there are people out there with information and we implore you to do the right thing, think of Billy’s friends and family, and provide this to police.”
Officers arrested a woman aged in her 50s on Saturday 11 January, on suspicion of murder. The woman was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. She was subsequently bailed with conditions to return to police on 9 April.