A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead in his home on New Year’s Day.
William McNicholl’s body was found by officers on January 1 after they were called to a property in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, shortly before 6pm.
The 63-year-old’s death led Suffolk Police’s major investigation team to start a probe and earlier this week officers said a Home Office post-mortem examination indicated the cause of death as ‘being from multiple injuries’.
The area surrounding the house was cordoned off as police conducted their enquiries.
Officers on Saturday arrested a woman in her 50s on suspicion of murder, Suffolk Constabulary said.
The force has said the woman was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
Residents have been warned they will continue to see a police presence in the area.
As previosuly reported, ‘Dog daddy’ Mr Mcnicholl – who was known as Billy – lost most of his sight after an accident many years ago, and used a mobility scooter to get around.
He had lived alone in his rented ground floor flat with his Staffordshire bull terrier, Leo.
Police confirmed that a dog had been found in the flat, and was ‘safe and well’ and being looked after.
Mr Mcnicholl’s pet was a replacement for his 11-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called Leo, who died several years ago.
A sticker was visible on his front window, stating: ‘A home is not a home without a Staffy’.
Family members were informed of his death and since then launched a GoFundMe appeal to help them pay for funeral costs and to provide ‘the dignity in his send off that he did not get in his passing’.
His family said: ‘We are all shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of one of Ipswich’s most kind, funny, complex and unique characters.
‘From his electrifying punk roots in the 80s to his dog daddy days of recent, I’m sure we all have lots of memories of him particularly how much he loved his beloved companion Leo Junior woof.
‘We appreciate times are tough, especially this time of year but if you can afford to contribute anything it would be so much appreciated by his friends and family.
‘Let’s give Billy a send off that Leo would be proud of. Many thanks.’
Following the news of his death, many people took to social media to express shock and sadness at the tragic news.
One wrote: ‘Rest in paradise, Billy Mcnicholl. Peace now.’
Another friend said on Facebook: ‘R.I.P Billy Mcnicholl. We had a lot of good times and a lot of memories I’ll hold onto and cherish. Absolutely gutted to hear this news.’
Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may help their enquiries to step forward.
A spokesperson for Suffolk Constabulary said: ‘Police continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with any information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between Tuesday 24 December and Wednesday 1 January, should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25.’
