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Police urgently seek dashcam footage as murder investigation hones in on Christmas Day

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Detectives investigating the murder of William "Billy" McNicholl in Ipswich are focusing their enquiries on Christmas Day, urging drivers to check their dash-cam footage from the Chantry area.

The big picture: Seven days before Mr McNicholl's body was discovered, vehicles travelling through several key areas of Chantry may have captured crucial evidence. Police are concentrating their investigation on the following areas from 25 December:

  • Hawthorn Drive

  • Gippeswyk Park

  • Birkfield Drive

  • Belstead Road

Map of interest from Suffolk Police investigating the murder of Billy McNicholl
Detectives investigating the murder of William "Billy" McNicholl in Ipswich are urging drivers to check their dash-cam footage from the Chantry areaSuffolk Constabulary

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of the Joint Major Investigation Team said: "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."

Key details:

  • Mr McNicholl, 63, was found deceased on 1 January at an address in Hawthorn Drive

  • A post-mortem indicated he died from head injuries and a single stab wound

  • A woman in her 50s arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed until 9 April

How to help: Information can be provided through:

The bottom line: Police are urging both residents and visitors who were in the Chantry area on Christmas Day to review any dash-cam footage, saying even small pieces of information could be vital to the investigation.

Samantha Brook

Get the book!

Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

Happiness Club by Samantha Brook

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Drawing from her personal transformation journey, Samantha offers evidence-based coaching and holistic wellness services that address our community's growing mental health challenges.

With mounting pressures from the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic stress affecting many Ipswich residents, Samantha's work focuses on practical tools for building resilience and joy in everyday life.

Through one-to-one coaching, workshops, and workplace wellbeing programs, she helps individuals and organisations develop sustainable happiness practices.

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Billy McNicholl murder investigation continues as second suspect bailed

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Police are continuing their investigation into the death of William McNicholl as a teenage suspect becomes the second person to be released on bail. The 63-year-old was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on New Year's Day.

Why it matters: Two suspects have now been released on bail as Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to investigate Mr McNicholl's death.

The big picture: A post-mortem examination revealed William McNicholl, known as Billy, died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • The 17-year-old boy arrested on Wednesday has been bailed with conditions until 17 March

  • He was questioned at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for two days

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April

What's next: Officers continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward with information about the case.

Bottom line: Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers.

Samantha Brook

Get the book!

Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.

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