Boy, 17, arrested on suspicion of murdering Billy McNicholl in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich

A teenage boy has been arrested in connection with the murder of Billy McNicholl in Ipswich.

Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police presence in the Chantry area this morning.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police has confirmed that a 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre, where he remains.

Yesterday, police dive teams searched the River Orwell, near Princes Street, in connection with the case.

This follows the arrest of a woman in her 50s on January 11, who has since been bailed until April 9.

Mr McNicholl’s body was discovered at his home in Hawthorn Drive on New Year’s Day, with officers being called to the scene shortly after 6pm.

A Home Office post mortem examination confirmed head injuries and a single stab wound as the cause of the 63-year-old’s death.

On January 8, a week after his murder, family paid tribute to Mr McNicholl, describing him as a ‘kind and thoughtful’ punk.

Anybody with any information or who saw any suspicious activity in the area between December 24 and January 1 is urged to get in touch with police, quoting crime reference, 37/162/25.