Police appeal following suspicious death in Plymouth
A 24-year-old reported missing after a night out has been linked to a murder inquiry in the Millbay area
Last updated 25th Jan 2026
Police are appealing for information as they investigate the suspicious death of a young man in Plymouth.
Drew Perham, 24, was reported missing on Saturday 24 January when he failed to return home following a night out in the city the night before.
Officers launched immediate searches and enquiries, which resulted in a cordon being established on Soap Street near Millbay Marina.
Later that day, a body was discovered in the water. While formal identification has not yet been completed, Drew’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
As part of the investigation, a 19-year-old man was arrested earlier on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been further arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Detective Superintendent James Dowler said:
“This investigation has been very fast paced, and the community will be aware of the significant policing presence that has been in the Millbay area as our enquiries have progressed throughout the day. This will continue in the coming days.
“Formal identification is yet to take place, however, all of our thoughts are with Drew’s family and friends at this unbelievably difficult time.
“I would like to ask people to avoid speculating about this case – we are in the early stages of our investigation to establish the full circumstances and online speculation in particular, is not helpful.
“Anyone who has information which may assist the police investigation is asked to please get in touch and report it. We are particularly interested in people who may have been in the Millbay area between 1am and 4am during the early hours of Saturday January 24th.”
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward in order to support their investigation.