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# Murder investigation launched following death of Chantry man Billy McNicholl on New Years Day
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/murder-investigation-launched-following-death-of-chantry-man-billy-mcnicholl/
- Published: 2025-01-05T12:10:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:26:20.000Z
- Description: Suffolk Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of William 'Billy' McNicholl, 63, who was found dead at his Chantry home on New Year's Day.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Crime, Appeals, #article, #story-billy-mcnicholl-murder, Suffolk Constabulary, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**The big picture:** Detectives from Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team are leading the inquiry after a post-mortem revealed Mr McNicholl died from multiple injuries.

![Forensic investigators continue to work at the property on Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1735828325-hawthorn-drive-forensics-2-1.jpg)

Suffolk Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of William 'Billy' McNicholl Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**What we know:**

- Officers discovered Mr McNicholl's body at his home in Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on 1 January
- A Home Office post-mortem conducted on Saturday revealed multiple injuries as the cause of death
- A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue
- Both uniformed and plain-clothes officers are maintaining a high-visibility presence in the area

**Investigation status:**

- The Major Investigation Team is leading the murder inquiry
- Officers are appealing for information about suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January
- Police are encouraging residents to speak with officers about any concerns or information they may have

**How to help:** People with information can contact police in several ways:

- Via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal: [https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1](https://mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1?ref=ipswich.co.uk)
- Call 101 quoting reference 37/162/25
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via [www.crimestoppers-uk.org](http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/?ref=ipswich.co.uk)

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