A major police manhunt is underway following the death of a woman who was found with serious injuries on West Hoe Road in Plymouth. Emergency services were alerted to the scene at approximately 8:55 PM GMT on Wednesday, January 22. Despite being rushed to Derriford Hospital, the woman was pronounced dead early Thursday morning.
Authorities have confirmed the victim was known to the suspect, who remains at large. Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Dave Pebworth has stated, "I wish to make the public aware we are looking to locate a man in relation to this incident whose identity is known, and inquiries are on-going to find him." He emphasized there was no suggestion of wider danger to the community.
Upon discovering the victim, police quickly cordoned off the area to facilitate their investigation, establishing restrictions from Cliff Road to Osbourne Place and throughout various streets surrounding the incident site. DCI Pebworth reassured the public, saying, "There will be heightened police presence and visibility over the coming days." He assured the community, "We believe this is an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the wider public."
The local community has reacted with shock and distress. An anonymous resident voiced their sorrow, stating, "The life of another woman has been claimed at the hands of a man. It hits home hard." This sentiment reflects the wider concern within the community over violent crimes against women.
Steve Foale, representing Safer Plymouth, has been proactive, mentioning officers are going door-to-door to inform residents about the situation. He noted, "While there has been a major incident, Devon and Cornwall Police are saying it is contained." He affirmed the police's commitment to ensuring safety for residents and urged them to report any suspicious activity related to the investigation.
Local businesses have also been affected by the police presence. David Badham, the general manager at Central Convenience near the incident, described how the shop had been sealed off, preventing access for his employees and customers. One of the shop staff reported hearing "screams" and calls for ambulances during the turmoil of the incident. Badham saw the police response firsthand as they enforced the cordon and secured the area.
BBC reporter Erin Black, present at the scene, described the atmosphere saying, "The streets are relatively empty of people... It is like everything has been sucked out of the area. There is no atmosphere here. It is very grey." Such notes highlight how the incident has impacted daily life and community morale.
Police patrols are set to remain elevated as investigations continue. Officers are urging anyone with information about the suspect to come forward. Consistent updates are expected as the situation evolves, with authorities prioritizing public safety and thorough investigation of this tragic event. DCI Pebworth assured, “We will of course update the public once we have more information.”
The police's swift response and commitment to apprehending the suspect reflects the urgency with which they are approaching this serious crime. A murder inquiry typically mobilizes significant resources, and this is no exception as officers are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.
This incident has not only raised concerns about safety among Plymouth residents but also once again highlights the broader issue of violence against women. Media reports and community discussions will likely continue to focus on how this tragic loss affects the local population and the resources dedicated to preventing such occurrences in the future.