Police Investigating Two Unrelated Murders in Mid Cornwall

Police say no connection between arrests in Sticker and body found near Truro

Two separate murder investigations have been launched in Mid Cornwall following an arrest in Sticker and the discovery of a body in woodland near Truro.

Detectives confirmed on Friday 4th July that they are investigating two unrelated cases, both unfolding within just 48 hours of each other.

Arrests in Sticker Missing Person Case

Police attended a property in Sticker, near St Austell, on Monday 30th June as part of enquiries into a missing man. During the visit, a 39-year-old man from the area was arrested on suspicion of fraud. Further information came to light during a search of the property, leading to his arrest on suspicion of murder.

A woman aged in her 30s from the Newquay area was later also arrested on suspicion of murder.

Both suspects have been released on police bail while enquiries continue.

Body Found Near Truro

At around 6pm on Tuesday 1st July, officers were called to a wooded area between Truro and Probus where the body of a man in his 40s was found. Formal identification has now taken place and police confirmed that this is not the missing man involved in the Sticker case.

The death is being treated as suspicious and is now the subject of a separate murder investigation. The man’s next-of-kin have been informed.

Police Appeal for Calm and Information

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 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.”

How to Contact Police

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via their website or by calling 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.