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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
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.
Community rallies to give 'much-loved' Ipswich man Billy McNicholl 'fitting send-off'
Friends of William 'Billy' McNicholl have launched a fundraising campaign to help give the 63-year-old Chantry resident the "dignity in his send off that he did not get in his passing."
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