POLICE have confirmed the decaying body of a convicted sex offender wanted for questioning over a woman's murder has been found in a caravan.
Police have been hunting Richard Scatchard since October 15 last year - when Kelly Faiers, 61, died at an address in Minehead, Somerset.
The 70-year-old, who formerly lived in Thelwall, disappeared following her death - which detectives believe was a murder.
At around 2pm on Thursday (April 4), a member of the public discovered the body of a man inside a caravan near Cleeve Hill, in Watchet.
Avon and Somerset Police have today (April 6) confirmed that after a post-mortem the body was that of Scatchard and said he is likely to have died some time ago.
Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Both Kelly’s family and Richard Scatchard’s family were notified after the body was found earlier this week.
"We have now informed both families that the body recovered has been confirmed as Scatchard.
“While it is apparent Scatchard died some time ago, the forensic post-mortem examination proved inconclusive in determining the cause of death.
“Therefore, as is routine in such cases, we continue to treat the death as unexplained, albeit we are not aware at this time of there being any suspicious circumstances.
“Enquiries will continue and a file produced for the coroner.”
A mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after confirmation of Scatchard’s death following police contact.
Officers spoke with the 70-year-old at the scene of Kelly’s death last October, shortly before he disappeared, before carrying out subsequent enquiries to find him.
Police launched several high-profile appeals and CCTV in a bid to trace him after describing him as "dangerous".
He was last seen in West Somerset on October 16 and despite dozens of reported sightings none were confirmed as him.
He was wanted on a recall to prison alongside cops seeking him in connection with the murder probe of Ms Faiers.
Avon and Somerset Police said previously Scatchard was considered a risk to the public, specifically women he forms relationships with.
Back in 2000, Scatchard was convicted at then Warrington Crown Court after admitting to three charges of drugging his victims, two charges of indecent assault, one attempted rape, one charge of theft and one charge of burglary.
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