Articles by Tim Hanlon

Technology

£20k reward for information on man found dead in street wrapped in sheet

A massive £20,000 reward has been offered for information about the murder of a man whose body was found on a pavement wrapped in a sheet. Police were called to the discovery of a man's body in the early hours of July 23, on Walton Road, Ilford, east London , and he was later identified as 56-year-old Derrick Jones. A forensic examination found that he had "some injuries" but detectives have so far been unable to establish how he died although it is known that he was with friends at a property in Warrior Square on the day before his death. A reward now of up to £20,000 is being offered for information about those behind Derrick's death, said the Metropolitan Police. A statement from the force read: "Three months on from the death of 56-year-old Derrick Jones, a significant Crimestoppers reward is being offered as detectives seek justice for his family. "A reward of up to £20,000 is on offer for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for Derrick’s murder. On Wednesday, 23 July at 04:41hrs officers were called to Walton Road, Ilford after a member of the public found a body of a man between the pavement and the road, wrapped in a sheet. The man was later identified as Derrick Jones. "Following forensic examination, Derrick was found to have some injuries but it’s unclear to investigators how he died. Detectives believe Derrick was socialising with friends at an address on Warrior Square, E12 the day before his death." Detective Sergeant Wes Hawkins, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said: “Three months have passed since the murder of Derrick Jones, and we are appealing to the public for any new information that could help our investigation. While progress has been made, we still need those who may have seen or heard something to come forward. “Walton Road is a busy street, and we believe someone out there holds a vital piece of the puzzle. No detail is too small — even the slightest detail could be the breakthrough we need to identify Derrick’s killer. A reward of up to £20,000 is being offered to encourage anyone with information to speak up. Your help could be key to securing justice for Derrick and offering answers to his family. Can you help us?” The statement added: "To provide information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 who are offering the reward for information. They are an independent charity, separate from the police. They won’t ask for your name and can’t trace your call. To provide information to police directly, call 101 or call the Met’s dedicated witness appeal number on 0207 960 8193, giving the reference 1022/23JUL or Operation Crybath."

Technology

Urgent search for pregnant woman as police tell public 'call 999' if you see her

A desperate appeal is underway to find a “heavily pregnant” woman who has been missing for 11 days. Shelby, 27, disappeared on October 10 in Bolton town centre on Saturday at 2pm and multiple searches have been made to try and locate her. Police have now relaunched an appeal to find her. She is described as a white female who is pregnant and 5ft 4in tall. She was last seen wearing black trousers and a black/blue jacket. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said that that they want to ensue Shelby gets the "appropriate support and care" as the force appealed again for anybody who may have seen her or have information to come forward. The said: “We are still appealing for the public to help us locate heavily pregnant Shelby (27), who was last seen over the weekend in the Bolton Town Centre area. “We are working closely with other services, as we want to ensure that Shelby gets the appropriate support and care. We thank those of you who have shared our previous appeals. “She is described as being around 5ft4, with a ponytail, and last seen wearing dark clothing. If you have any further information, please contact police on 101 or 999, quoting log MSP/06KK/0002336/25.”