Bail extensions granted in connection with Ipswich murder

Three people who were arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Ipswich have had their bail dates extended.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry into Billy’s death continues to be led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

On 1 April, three people were arrested as part of the investigation.

A 17-year-old boy, 18-year-old man and 41-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

They were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. They were subsequently bailed to return to police on 1 July. These bail dates have now been extended until 1 October.

Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: “It is now six months since the discovery of Billy’s body. Investigations into his murder and those that may have been involved continue. We would again urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you feel it may be, to come forward."  

On 22 January a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He was bailed with conditions. He is currently bailed to return to police on 22 July.

A woman aged in her 50s, who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder before being released on bail, has been told she will face no further action.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with any information to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone: Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

 

Previous release - 2 April 2025

Three people who were arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Ipswich have been bailed.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry into Billy’s death continues to be led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

Yesterday, Tuesday 1 April, three people were arrested as part of the investigation.

A 17-year-old boy, 18-year-old man and 41-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

They were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. They were subsequently bailed to return to police on 1 July.

Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: “A large number of officers have been involved in the investigation and many people, including residents in the Hawthorn Drive area and surrounding streets, have either contacted us or have been spoken to by our officers. However, if anyone has any information that they are yet to share with police, I would ask them to do so, to help us find out what happened to Billy.”

“Our enquiry into his death and the work to bring those responsible to justice continues.”

The charity Crimestoppers, which is independent to the police, is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given to them 100% anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death.

The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than the police. With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Give information to Crimestoppers by completing a secure form via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy’s murder.

“If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we’ll pass it on for you. We are independent of the police and won’t ask for any personal details, there’ll be no police contact or witness statements, and you won’t have to go to court. Nobody will know you contacted us.”

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025. For more information regarding the Crimestoppers reward, please visit the charity’s website.

On 22 January a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He was bailed with conditions and will now return to police on Tuesday 22 April.

A woman aged in her 50s, who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder before being released on bail, has been told she will face no further action.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with any information to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone: Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

 

 

Previous release - 1 January 2025

 

Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Ipswich.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry into Billy’s death continues to be led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

Today, Tuesday 1 April, three people were arrested as part of the investigation.

A 17-year-old boy, 18-year-old man and 41-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.

They were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where they currently remain.

Detective Inspector Mark Hughes said: “Today marks three months since the discovery of Billy’s body at his home address in Ipswich. 

“A large number of officers have been involved in the investigation and many people, including residents in the Hawthorn Drive area and surrounding streets, have either contacted us or have been spoken to by our officers. However, if anyone has any information that they are yet to share with police, I would ask them to do so, to help us find out what happened to Billy.”

“Our enquiry into his death and the work to bring those responsible to justice continues.”

The charity Crimestoppers, which is independent to the police, is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given to them 100% anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death.

The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than the police. With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Give information to Crimestoppers by completing a secure form via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy’s murder.

“If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we’ll pass it on for you. We are independent of the police and won’t ask for any personal details, there’ll be no police contact or witness statements, and you won’t have to go to court. Nobody will know you contacted us.”

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025. For more information regarding the Crimestoppers reward, please visit the charity’s website.

On 22 January a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He was bailed with conditions and will now return to police on Tuesday 22 April.

A woman aged in her 50s, who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder before being released on bail, has been told she will face no further action.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with any information to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone: Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

 

 

Previous release - 31 January 2025

 

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given anonymously that leads to the conviction of the person/s responsible for the murder of a man in his 60s in Ipswich.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

The charity Crimestoppers, which is independent to the police, is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given to them 100% anonymously that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death.

The reward is only payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers, rather than the police. With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Give information to Crimestoppers by completing a secure form via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call the charity’s 24/7 UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.

Phil Breckon, Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given exclusively to us that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of anybody responsible for Billy’s murder.

“If you have information, however small, please speak up and tell Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. If you prefer not to talk to the police, you can tell us what you know, and we’ll pass it on for you. We are independent of the police and won’t ask for any personal details, there’ll be no police contact or witness statements, and you won’t have to go to court. Nobody will know you contacted us.”

The reward will expire on 30 April 2025. For more information regarding the Crimestoppers reward, please visit the charity’s website.

On 22 January a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He was bailed with conditions to return to police on Monday 17 March.

A woman aged in her 50s who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail with conditions, to return to police on 9 April.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with any information to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone: Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

 

Previous release | 24 January 2025

A teenage boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Ipswich has been bailed.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team. On Wednesday 22 January a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. This afternoon, Friday 24 January, he was bailed with conditions to return to police on Monday 17 March. 

A woman aged in her 50s who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail with conditions, to return to police on 9 April.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with any information to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal -https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

Previous release - 23 January 2025

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in his 60s in Ipswich have been granted more time to question a teenage boy arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

Yesterday, 22 January, a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he currently remains.

Following an initial superintendent’s extension allowing detectives a further 12 hours to detain the boy, this afternoon, Thursday 23 January, officers applied for a warrant of further detention at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court granting them an additional 24 hours to question the suspect, which will end on Friday 24 January.

A woman aged in her 50s who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail with conditions, to return to police on 9 April.

Anyone with any information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal -https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

Previous release | 22 January

A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a man in Ipswich.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

This morning, Wednesday 22 January, a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where he currently remains.

As part of the ongoing investigation, yesterday, Tuesday 21 January, specialist dive teams conducted enquiries within the River Orwell near to Princes Street.

A woman aged in her 50s who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder remains on bail with conditions, to return to police on 9 April.

Anyone with any information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal -https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

 

Previous release | 15 January 2025

Two weeks after the body of a man was found in Ipswich, detectives investigating his murder are continuing to appeal for information, particularly looking for dash-camera footage from the area on Christmas day.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

Preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

Current enquiries are focussing on Christmas Day.

Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of the Joint Major Investigation Team said: “We are renewing our appeal for anyone with any information or who saw anything suspicious.

“In particular we are focussing on the Chantry area on Christmas day.

“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.

“If you, a friend or a relative, were in the area and saw anything suspicious, or you were driving and have a dash camera, please get in touch with us. Please share this appeal with visitors who may have been in the area on the day but may not live in the area and might not see this.

“No matter how small you feel a piece of information may be, it could be important in finding out who is responsible for Billy’s death.

“We believe there are people out there with information and we implore you to do the right thing, think of Billy’s friends and family, and provide this to police.”

A map of the area police are asking for information and dash camera footage on Christmas Day is included below.

Officers arrested a woman aged in her 50s on Saturday 11 January, on suspicion of murder. The woman was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. She was subsequently bailed with conditions to return to police on 9 April.

Anyone with any information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal -https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

 

Previous release | 12 January 2025

A woman arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Ipswich has been bailed as enquiries continue.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

A Home Office post-mortem took place on Saturday 4 January, and preliminary results indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

Officers arrested a woman aged in her 50s yesterday, Saturday 11 January, on suspicion of murder.

The woman was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. She was subsequently bailed with conditions to return to police on 9 April.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with any information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between Tuesday 24 December and Wednesday 1 January, should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal -https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

 

Previous release | 11 January 2025

Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Ipswich.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

A Home Office post-mortem took place on Saturday 4 January, and preliminary results indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

Officers arrested a woman aged in her 50s today, Saturday 11 January, on suspicion of murder.

The woman was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, where she currently remains.

The police cordon at the scene is no longer in place. Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area and anyone with information, concerns or queries is encouraged to speak to officers.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with any information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between Tuesday 24 December and Wednesday 1 January, should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

 

Previous news release | 7 January 2025

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses as a murder inquiry into the death of a man in Ipswich continues.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

A Home Office post-mortem took place on Saturday 4 January, and preliminary results indicated the cause of death as being from head injuries and a single stab wound.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team and a police scene remains in place at the premises on Hawthorn Drive, near to the junction with Marigold Avenue, whilst enquiries continue.

Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area and anyone with information, concerns or queries is encouraged to speak to officers.

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.”

Anybody with any information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between Tuesday 24 December and Wednesday 1 January, should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

 

Previous release - Sunday 5 January 2025

Police are now able to name a man who was found deceased inside a property.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January. A man was sadly found deceased within the property.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the man has been identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years, from Ipswich.

A Home Office post-mortem took place yesterday, Saturday 4 January, and preliminary results indicate the cause of death as being from multiple injuries.

A murder inquiry is being led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

A police scene remains place at the premises on Hawthorn Drive, near to the junction with Marigold Avenue, whilst enquiries continue.

Residents will have noticed an increased police presence, of both uniformed and non-uniformed officers, in the area. This increased presence will remain while enquiries continue. Anyone with information, concerns or queries is encouraged to speak to officers.

Police continue to appeal for anybody with information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between Tuesday 24 December and Wednesday 1 January, to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, via:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999.

 

 

Previous release - Thursday 2 January 2025

A police investigation is underway after the body of a man was found in Ipswich.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich shortly before 6pm yesterday, Wednesday 1 January. A man in his 60s was sadly found deceased within the property and his family have been notified.

The man’s death is currently unexplained. Enquiries are at an early stage but at this time it is being treated as suspicious. A Home Office post-mortem examination is expected to take place in due course.

A police scene is in place at the premises on Hawthorn Drive, near to the junction with Marigold Avenue whilst enquiries continue.

Officers are appealing for anybody with information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between Tuesday 24 December and yesterday, Wednesday 1 January, to contact police quoting reference 37/162/25 via

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999