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Police hunt for "armed and dangerous" suspect after Plymouth murder

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Police hunt for "armed and dangerous" suspect after Plymouth murder
Police hunt for "armed and dangerous" suspect after Plymouth murder

Police have published a photograph of a man they want to speak to and urged the public not to approach him after a woman was found dead in Plymouth.

Paul Antony Butler, 53, is wanted by police in connection to a fatal incident in West Hoe Road in Plymouth last night.

They have said he could be ‘armed and dangerous’.

Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the scene at 8.55pm on Wednesday following reports a woman was seriously injured by a man believed to be known to her.

The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene and rushed to hospital, but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead this morning.

A murder investigation has been launched.

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.

‘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.’

The force said West Hoe Road was closed and a large police presence remained at the scene as officers search for the suspect.

A massive Police presence at the scene of a stabbing in Great Western Road, Plymouth,Devon. Pix by Wayne Perry - 07801289134 23/1/25 qhiquqideridzzprw

Armed officers searched a number of flats along the waterfront in Plymouth last night (Picture: Wayne Perry)

A massive Police presence at the scene of a stabbing in Great Western Road, Plymouth,Devon. Pix by Wayne Perry - 07801289134 23/1/25

Forensics officers could be seen taking evidence after violence erupted just before 9pm last night (Picture: Wayne Perry)

A massive Police presence at the scene of a stabbing in Great Western Road, Plymouth,Devon. Pix by Wayne Perry - 07801289134 23/1/25

Police are still trying to track down the attacker (Picture: Wayne Perry)

Violence broke out on Great Western Road – in the West Hoe area of Plymouth last night

Forensic officers have been seen working at the scene with evidence markers and blood seen spattered on the pavement. 

Armed officers have also been pictured searching a flat close to where the police cordon has been put in place. 

One eyewitness at the scene told MailOnline: ‘The scene is not looking very good.

 

Major Incident Declared in West Hoe, Plymouth Emergency services are currently responding to a major incident in West Hoe, Plymouth, as confirmed on the evening of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Police have issued a "stay away" warning to the public while officers deal with what has been described as a "serious assault." Emergency Response Reports suggest a significant police and paramedic presence in the vicinity of Radford Road near the West Hoe Pub. Witnesses have observed armed response units, multiple ambulances, and a police drone deployed overhead to monitor the area. Numerous locals contacted authorities and media outlets to report the large-scale emergency response. One witness described the scene: "The area is completely cordoned off, and it’s clear something serious is unfolding. Emergency services are everywhere." Cordon and Public Warning The area remains under a strict police cordon, and access is heavily restricted while investigations are underway. Devon and Cornwall Police have urged the public to avoid the vicinity, and drivers are being asked to take alternative routes to minimize disruption. Police Statement A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police stated: "We are dealing with a serious assault at the scene. Members of the public are being asked to stay away. Officers remain at the scene." Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them immediately. This is a developing story, and more details will follow as they become available.

Officers were called to the West Hoe area of Plymouth after the ‘serious assault’ last night(Picture: UKNIP)

Major Incident Declared in West Hoe, Plymouth Emergency services are currently responding to a major incident in West Hoe, Plymouth, as confirmed on the evening of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Police have issued a "stay away" warning to the public while officers deal with what has been described as a "serious assault." Emergency Response Reports suggest a significant police and paramedic presence in the vicinity of Radford Road near the West Hoe Pub. Witnesses have observed armed response units, multiple ambulances, and a police drone deployed overhead to monitor the area. Numerous locals contacted authorities and media outlets to report the large-scale emergency response. One witness described the scene: "The area is completely cordoned off, and it’s clear something serious is unfolding. Emergency services are everywhere." Cordon and Public Warning The area remains under a strict police cordon, and access is heavily restricted while investigations are underway. Devon and Cornwall Police have urged the public to avoid the vicinity, and drivers are being asked to take alternative routes to minimize disruption. Police Statement A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police stated: "We are dealing with a serious assault at the scene. Members of the public are being asked to stay away. Officers remain at the scene." Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them immediately. This is a developing story, and more details will follow as they become available.

Police could be seen speaking to neighbours close to where the attack happened(Picture: UKNIP)

‘I arrived at quarter past nine. When I arrived on the scene the incident was in its early stages and armed police had been deployed.

‘Then 15 minutes later a police area response team had arrived.’

 

George MacGregor

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