Paul Anthony Butler, 53, has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a day-long manhunt in Plymouth. He allegedly injured a woman in her 40s on West Hoe Road, who later died in hospital. Police treated Butler as “armed and dangerous,” urging the public not to approach him. He was apprehended in Liskeard, about 30 kilometers from Plymouth. Authorities confirmed a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to Butler’s past contact with the victim. The police investigation continues, with forensic teams working at the crime scene and a community commended for its support.
A man wanted for the murder of a woman in Plymouth has been arrested after a day-long manhunt by armed police.
Paul Anthony Butler, 53, fled after seriously injuring a woman in her 40s on West Hoe Road in the West Hoe area of Plymouth on Wednesday.
The female victim, whose name has not been released, was treated at the scene by paramedics around 9 p.m.
She was taken to hospital but unfortunately passed away this morning.
Butler was eventually arrested on Thursday after police tracked him down in Liskeard, a town about 30 kilometers east of Plymouth.
Officers had previously warned that the suspect could be “armed and dangerous” and urged the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that Mr Butler was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.
The force announced that he would be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of his past contact with the victim.
Suspect Paul Anthony Butler (53) was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Armed police swarmed an area of Plymouth last night following reports of a “serious assault” in the city.
Butler was eventually arrested on Thursday after police tracked him down in Liskeard, a town about 30 kilometers east of Plymouth. The woman suffered fatal injuries there.
“Our thoughts are with her family at this time and we continue to support them,” the force said in a statement Thursday.
“Officers would like to thank the local community for their support and patience while this incident continues to be investigated.”
“Previous contact with the victim will result in a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).” This is normal procedure in such situations. ”
Police officials previously said Butler appeared to have known the woman.
He is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall, of a well-proportioned build with brown/gray hair and blue eyes.
Local police Chief Inspector Tom Cunningham said at a press conference today that the incident was not being treated as a terrorist attack, but declined to say whether Butler was known to police.
Police and emergency services rushed to the scene at 8.55pm on Wednesday after a woman was found with serious injuries on the street in West Haw Road.
She was treated by paramedics at the scene and then taken to Derriford Hospital, where she died this morning.
A police cordon remained in place throughout Thursday as the investigation continued.
A large police presence can be seen at the scene of the attack in Plymouth this morning.
Forensic scientists continued to work at the scene Thursday morning as police began investigating the murder.
Forensic investigators searched the streets with flashlights, working late into the night
Video footage posted on social media showed a number of police cars and ambulances parked on West Hoe Road, near the Post Office and West Hoe pub, on Wednesday night.
Five heavily armed police officers are believed to have stormed the flats in the Great Western Road complex, but left shortly after.
Forensic investigators were seen working late into the night, and evidence markers and blood could be seen splattered on the sidewalk.
Employees at the store said they heard “screams” at the time of the incident, people asking for an ambulance.
David Badham, who runs the Central Convenience Shop on the street, said: “I asked my staff to come to work and she said she heard screaming.”
“She then obviously stuck her head out the door to see what was going on and heard people saying, ‘Call an ambulance.’
