23 January 2025 , 15:51
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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.
Armed officers searched a number of flats along the waterfront in Plymouth last night (Picture: Wayne Perry)
Forensics officers could be seen taking evidence after violence erupted just before 9pm last night (Picture: Wayne Perry)
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.
Officers were called to the West Hoe area of Plymouth after the ‘serious assault’ last night(Picture: UKNIP)
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.’