Two separate murder investigations launched in Mid Cornwall

Police have confirmed that two separate murder investigations are underway in Mid Cornwall. It's after the discover of a body in a wooded area between Truro and Probus.

The latest investigation follows the arrest of a man and a woman this week in connection with a missing person enquiry, and the unrelated discovery of a body in woodland.

Officers attended a property in Sticker, near St Austell, on Monday 30 June as part of enquiries into a missing man.

As a result of those enquiries, a 39-year-old man from Sticker was arrested on suspicion of fraud. Further information came to light during a search of the property, and he was further arrested on suspicion of murder.

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

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

Detectives launch new investigation after body found in woods

At around 6pm on Tuesday 1 July, officers were called to a wooded area between Truro and Probus, where the body of a man was found.

Formal identification has since confirmed that the deceased is not the man who is the subject of the original missing person enquiry.

The body is that of a man aged in his 40s. His death is currently being treated as suspicious and is now part of a separate murder investigation. The man’s next of kin have been informed.

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, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, 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.”

Anyone with information can contact police via the force website or by calling 101.

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