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Ed Sheeran watches Ipswich window cleaner lose to Dutch caravan salesman in World Darts Championship

News

Ipswich's Stephen Burton suffered a straight-sets defeat to Alexander Merkx in the first round of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, with Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran watching from the crowd.

Why it matters: Burton, ranked 64th in the PDC Order of Merit, was making just his second appearance at darts' biggest tournament after exiting in the first round in 2019 following a straight sets defeat to Ryan Searle.

Stephen Burton after his loss to Ryan Searle in 2019
Burton after his loss to Ryan Searle in 2019Alamy

Match details:

  • Burton failed to win a single set in the 3-0 defeat and struggled with scoring throughout

  • Merkx, who himelf didn't play brilliantly, progresses to face Chris Dobey in round two

The background: Burton, 36, known as 'Bertie' on the circuit, qualified for the tournament through the Pro Tour Order of Merit. He combines his professional darts career with work as a self-employed window cleaner in Ipswich.

He entered the match as the bookmaker's favourite but just couldn't get going.

Star support: Global music star Ed Sheeran was among the Alexandra Palace crowd watching his fellow local.

Bottom line: Despite the disappointing result, Burton's qualification for darts' premier event represents progress for the former Debenham High School pupil, who first earned his PDC Tour Card in 2017.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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