Teenager arrested in Ipswich murder inquiry

William McNicholl's body was found inside a home on Hawthorn Drive

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead on New Year's Day.

William McNicholl, 63, known as Billy, was found at a home on Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, on 1 January, but police believe he was killed on Christmas Day.

Suffolk Police had already arrested a woman in her 50s on suspicion of murder, and the force has now arrested a 17-year-old boy.

As part of the investigation, divers searched the River Orwell near Princes Street on Tuesday.

Preliminary results from a post-mortem examination indicated Mr McNicholl died from a stab wound and head injuries.

Police previously said the last sighting of him was on 23 December, but he had been active on social media on Christmas Day.

The arrested woman has been bailed and is due to report back to police on 9 April.

Suffolk Police has appealed for witnessses and information

Mr McNicholl's family paid tribute to him, calling him a "cheeky geeza with a fun sense of humour".

They added: "Love him or hate him, the man with many names who meant lots of different things to different people was cool, clever and eccentric.

"His friends, five nieces and sister remember him as kind and generous, even when he didn't have much himself – he was a larger than life character with a heart of gold."