Stab victim may have been killed on Christmas Day

Billy McNicholl, who died from a single stab wound, lived on his own in Ipswich

Officers leading a murder investigation believe a man who was fatally stabbed in his own home may have been killed on Christmas Day.

William McNicholl's body was discovered by Suffolk Police at a property in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, shortly before 18:00 GMT on 1 January.

A post-mortem examination found the primary cause of death of the 63-year-old, known as Billy, was a single stab wound. He had also suffered head injuries.

"We know he was active on social media on the 25th of December, but we don't have anything post that," said Det Supt Mike Brown.

Det Supt Mike Brown said Mr McNicholl's family were being supported by specialist officers

"If anybody has any information, sightings or communication with Billy certainly after the afternoon of Christmas Day... then we would urge them to get in touch."

He said the last reported sighting of the pensioner, who lived on his own, had been on 23 December.

Det Supt Brown described Mr McNicholl's family as "devastated" and said they were being supported by family liaison officers.

He stressed the force believed the incident was isolated and said officers would do all they could to reassure the community.

"What we don't have is any sign of a forced entry," he said.

"There is a hypothesis that Billy knew or had an association with the person that came into his address and attacked him."

'Really horrified'

Nadia Cenci, a councillor, encouraged anyone with information to contact the police

Nadia Cenci, a Conservative councillor for the Chantry ward, the area where Mr McNicholl lived, said the community was "really horrified".

She said: "Chantry is a close-knit community.

"I lived there for 46 years, people go to school together, stay together, know each other really well.

"I can imagine they are as horrified as I am, shocked, anxious and worried.

"My heart goes out to his family."

She urged people with information to contact police.

Phillip Shaw said he saw Mr McNicholl in the area occasionally and they had spoken

Phillip Shaw, 53, said he occasionally came into contact with Mr McNicholl.

"He was a very nice guy, very friendly," he said.

"I can't remember the last time I saw him, I think it was probably around November time, which was in town.

"It was pretty shocking. I walked down the road the 2nd of January and saw all the police presence and forensic stuff.

"I thought it might have been a burglary. I never envisioned something dramatic like this had happened."

Tracey Englefield said residents in Chantry were "shocked"

Tracey Englefield, another resident, said: "It's just horrific.

"The Chantry community, we're all shocked

"It's sad news, we live just down the road, so right on the doorstep as well.

"Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."