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Teenage boy arrested on suspicion of murdering Billy McNicholl following river search

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of William 'Billy' McNicholl in Ipswich. The arrest comes after police dive teams searched the River Orwell as part of the ongoing investigation.

Why it matters: This marks the second arrest in the investigation of McNicholl's death, which has prompted an extensive police operation including specialist dive teams.

The big picture: McNicholl, 63, was found dead at his home in Hawthorn Drive on 1 January. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries and a stab wound.

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

Latest developments:

  • The teenage suspect was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre on Wednesday 22 January for questioning

  • Specialist dive teams conducted searches in the River Orwell near Princes Street on Tuesday 21 January

  • A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April

What's next: Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to lead the inquiry and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Bottom line: Police are urging anyone with information to contact them via their Major Incident Public Reporting Portal or by calling 101, quoting reference 37/162/25. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers.

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Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
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Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
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Ipswich man jailed for five years after rape conviction

Leon Thomas, 53, formerly of Farina Close in Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of raping a woman he knew.
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Suffolk and Norfolk mayoral elections to be delayed by two years

The government is expected to announce today that it will postpone planned elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor from May 2026 to 2028, marking the second delay to democratic processes in the region this year.
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GBS , ICS and Lanman Solar

GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
The Lanman Group

Lanman Solar

Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
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'I've got my life back': Ipswich woman reverses her diabetes in months

Susan Wolton from Ipswich has reversed her type 2 diabetes, lost over three stone and seen her IBS symptoms disappear after joining a free NHS programme that can be completed from home, with limited places remaining for local residents.
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College and university launch charity-business platform

Suffolk New College and University of Suffolk brought together over a dozen local charities and businesses in a new event designed to build partnerships beyond traditional fundraising. Organisers plan to make it an annual Christmas fixture.
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Attwells beats national rivals for apprenticeship award

Local solicitors Attwells has won the National Apprenticeship and Skills Award 2025 for SME Firms, beating national competition for its commitment to developing emerging talent.
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GBS , ICS and Lanman Solar

GBS logo

GBS

This family-run construction company has delivered quality services across commercial building, fire protection, diamond drilling, health and safety, and asbestos removal for over 30 years.
The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
The Lanman Group

Lanman Solar

Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
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