More than 50 sightings in hunt for Somerset murder suspect
Convicted sex offender Richard Scatchard disappeared after a woman was found dead at his home
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
Detectives in Somerset say they have received more than 50 reported sightings of a convicted sex offender, wanted in connection with a murder inquiry.
Richard Scatchard (70) from Minehead disappeared after 61-year-old Kelly Faiers was found dead at his home address on Sunday 15 October.
Scatchard is wanted on recall to prison and is considered a risk to the public, in particular to women he forms relationships with.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston said: “The circumstances of Kelly’s tragic death remain unclear.
"A forensic post-mortem examination has been carried out and proved to be inconclusive."
Officers are now awaiting further test results to give Kelly's family answers and say specialist family liaison officers are supporting them.
In the meantime they continue to hunt Scatchard, who was found to have disappeared when officers returned to his home on Monday 16 October, to ask him further questions about Kelly's death.
Since his disappearance multiple public appeals about his whereabouts have provided more information on the risk he poses, police say.
DCI Aston said: “As we have previously stated, Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and a number of years ago was convicted of sexual offences in which he administered drugs to his victims to enable his crimes.
“We have a number of hypotheses about what has happened to Scatchard but remain anxious given the risk he poses he could have formed a new relationship with one or more women.
“It is also possible he may be trying to avoid being seen by anyone given the publicity about this investigation and therefore would encourage anyone to contact us if they have an outbuilding or a remote building that looks like it may have been accessed by someone.”
Scatchard is white, about 5ft 11ins tall, of average build with short grey hair.
He has a Scottish accent and has previously claimed to be called Richard Dunlop.
Police say he may look dishevelled, given the amount of time since his last sighting.
The last confirmed sighting of Scatchard remains about 10am in Blenheim Road, Minehead, on Monday 16 October.
It's thought he may have a grey Gepida Alboin Curve electric bike or normal push bike with him.
There have been 55 unconfirmed sightings.
DCI Aston continued: “Many of these as yet unconfirmed sightings have been in Minehead or in the surrounding areas and extensive searches by officers are taking place in those areas.
“The local neighbourhood team are also carrying out extra high-visibility patrols in the area.
"A community letter and a poster with Scatchard’s photo on it are being distributed too, in a bid to further encourage people with information to come forward.
“We are also working with other police forces across the country too.
"We know he has recent links to the Cornwall, Gwent and South Wales while previous links include the Cheshire and Leicestershire areas.
“Our absolute priority remains to locate Scatchard and see if he can assist with our enquiries.
“Richard, if you see this, it is not too late to do the right thing and hand yourself in.”
If you see Scatchard you're urged not to approach him, but to instead call 999.
If you know where he is, call 101.
The police reference number for the case is 5223259285.