Edward Forrester: Life sentence for man who murdered neighbour

William Wilkinson admitted murdering Mr Forrester

A man has been jailed for murdering and dismembering a neighbour whose remains were found after a search across two counties, police have said.

Edward Forrester, 55, was reported missing a day after he was last seen in Blackpool on 1 September.

His remains were later found in the resort and in Kendal, Cumbria.

William Wilkinson, 65, earlier pleaded guilty to murder and perverting the course of justice and was jailed for at least 19 years and three months.

Preston Crown Court heard Lancashire Police saw blood on the door of Wilkinson's flat, when they went to Mr Forrester's flat after he had been reported missing.

Inside they found traces of blood at the door, "evidence of a clean up" and a broken wooden stick with a heavy metal bung at one end in a bin liner.

Wilkinson used this stick - thought to be the murder weapon - to strike Mr Forrester to the head multiple times, the force said.

The reason for the attack "remains a mystery", police said.

Edward Forrester was last seen in Blackpool on 1 September

CCTV showed Wilkinson walking around Blackpool disposing of carrier bags which are thought to have contained remains and personal belongings.

He also shaved his beard and cut his hair to change his appearance, the court heard.

Wilkinson, from Seafield Road, Blackpool, was arrested by officers from Cumbria Police in Windermere on 5 September.

During his initial police interviews, he denied knowing where Mr Forrester was and denied having any dispute with him.

On 13 September, Cumbria Police found partial human remains in a suitcase on land off Ashes Lane, Staveley, Kendal.

Further discoveries were made in Cumbria over the following days and weeks.

Wilkinson pleaded guilty to murder and perverting the course of justice on 17 November after being "presented with overwhelming evidence of criminal wrongdoing", police said.

Following sentencing, Det Supt Mark Haworth-Oates said: "William Wilkinson was a man of previous good character and only he knows what happened on that Friday afternoon that led him to commit this most appalling crime.

"I welcome the life sentence imposed upon him today and hope that the family and friends of Eddie can have some comfort knowing that the person responsible for the offence will likely never be released."