Body In Shallow Grave May Be Murder Victim

Police have found a body in the search for a man whose disappearance seven years ago resulted in his girlfriend's ex-husband being jailed for murder.

David Guilfoyle, 37, vanished in May 2005 after striking up a relationship with Debbie Fitzpatrick in Accrington, Lancashire.

Ms Fitzpatrick's ex-husband, guillotine operator Shane Fitzpatrick, was jailed for life after a jury convicted him of killing Mr Guilfoyle in a jealous rage.

Police said the body was discovered on Friday during a search of Admiral's Wood, near Bolton-By-Bowland in Lancashire.

It is believed Shane Fitzpatrick, 42, previously of Hapton, recently confessed his guilt to detectives and told them where he hid the body.

The remains were found in a shallow grave.

A police spokesman said: "We can confirm that officers searching an area of Admiral's Wood near Bolton-By-Bowland have found a body.

"The searches were carried out after new information was passed to police about the possible whereabouts of the body of David Guilfoyle."

He added: "Whilst it is too early at this stage to confirm whether the body is that of David Guilfoyle, we have specialist officers supporting David's family and they are aware of this development and are being kept fully informed."

Mr Guilfoyle was murdered at his home in Royds Avenue, Accrington, and, despite the absence of his body, police found a trail of blood proving he was attacked there.

Shane Fitzpatrick was convicted of murder in July 2006 and jailed for life with a minimum 20-year term.