17-Year-Old Arrested for Ipswich Murder
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of 63-year-old William “Billy” McNicholl in Ipswich earlier this month.
Man Found Dead with Stab and Head Injuries
Police were called to a Hawthorn Drive property just before 6pm on Wednesday, January 1. They found Billy McNicholl dead at the scene. A preliminary post-mortem revealed he died from head injuries and a single stab wound.
Teen Taken into Custody
Officers arrested the teenager on Wednesday, January 22. He is currently held at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre, where he’s being questioned.
Major Investigation Underway
Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team is leading the murder inquiry. Specialist dive teams searched the River Orwell near Princes Street on Tuesday, January 21 as part of the probe.
A woman in her 50s, arrested earlier on January 11 on suspicion of murder, remains on bail and is due back on April 9.
Police Call for Public Help
Detectives want witnesses to step forward, especially anyone with info about activity in the Chantry area on Christmas Day. They’re hunting for dash-cam footage, doorbell recordings, and eyewitness accounts from near Hawthorn Drive, Gippeswyk Park, Birkfield Drive, and Belstead Road between December 24 and January 1.
“We believe there are people with information that could be crucial to this investigation. We urge anyone who knows something to come forward, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Help us provide justice for Billy and closure for his loved ones,” said Detective Inspector Mark Hughes.
How to Contact Police
If you have any information, contact Suffolk Police quoting reference 37/162/25:
- Major Incident Public Reporting Portal: MIPP
- Phone: Call 101
- Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 anonymously or use their online form
In emergencies, always call 999.
