Named Plymouth murder suspect could be armed and dangerous
Devon and Cornwall Police have released the name of the suspect being sought after the death of a woman in West Hoe, Plymouth, on Wednesday night.
Investigators say they want to speak to Paul Antony Butler, 53, after a woman in her 40s was killed in a street attack.
DI Rob Smith said: “Cordons are in place and police units remain in the area. At this time the suspect remains at large and a major response is underway.
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“We have taken the steps of releasing an image of a man we need to identify in connection to the murder investigation. We believe that this man could be armed and dangerous, so we are telling the public not to approach him in any circumstances and immediately call 999 if you have seen this man.”
Butler is described as white, around 6ft 5ins tall, of proportionate build with brown/grey hair and blue eyes.
Officers are carrying out enquiries to locate him and are appealing for the public to provide any sightings or information regarding to his whereabouts.
Anyone who see Butler is asked not to approach him, but to call police on 999, quoting log 756 of 22 January.
Earlier today Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a woman had been found seriously injured "in the street in West Hoe Road". It is understood she suffered stab wounds and was treated at the scene before being taken to Derriford Hospital where she was pronounced deceased later the same morning. Her next of kin have been informed but police have yet to name her.
The force confirmed at the time that the victim and suspect were "believed to be known to each other", although a senior officer went on to say that the suspect's identity was known and inquiries were ongoing to trace him. In addition, the force stressed that there was "no suggestion that there is a wider risk to members of the public."
Shortly after midday Plymouth Highways released a social media post on Twitter/X stating that due to the incident police had asked them for "a full closure" of a large part of West Hoe, bordering Lockyer Street, The Crescent, Millbay Road, Citadel Road, Prospect Place, Walker Terrace, Cliff Road, part of the Hoe Promenade and down Osborne Place.
No further explanation was given by Plymouth City Council or the police for the closure of a large area of the city.