Murder inquiry into missing man is 'challenging'

A murder inquiry into a missing man in Cornwall has been described as "complex and challenging" by police after a body found in woodland last week was not linked to the investigation.

The body was discovered at a wooded site between Truro and Probus on Tuesday evening and a second, separate, murder investigation continues into the discovery. Police said there were no current updates to that investigation.

Forensic officers continue to search a separate woodland in Sticker, near St Austell, for clues into the whereabouts of the missing man.

A local 39-year-old man was rearrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder in connection with his disappearance and remains in police custody.

A woman in her 30s, from Newquay, was arrested last week on suspicion of murder and remains on police bail.

Last week, Devon and Cornwall Police said the body found on Tuesday was not the missing person they were looking for, and the person is yet to be found.

The family of the missing man has been informed of all developments.

Police initially thought the two inquiries might be linked but are now investigating them separately.

Det Supt Jon Bancroft said: "This is a complex investigation and a challenging environment for our officers in dense woodland and difficult weather conditions.

"We are being very careful and using the very best forensic and scientific advice from specialist officers to ensure every line of inquiry is thoroughly exhausted."

He added the force was aware of the "impact" the investigations were having on the community.

"A large police presence will remain in the Sticker area into this week, and I continue to ask that people do not speculate on social media about this case, as it may negatively impact our inquiries and investigation."

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