Police renew appeal to find wanted man - last seen in Minehead
Avon and Somerset Police say the 70-year-old poses a risk to the public - and was last seen earlier this month
Last updated 26th Oct 2023
Avon and Somerset Police have renewed their appeal to find a wanted 70-year-old man who was last seen in Minehead earlier this month.
Richard Scatchard is wanted on recall to prison, and the force say he is considered a 'risk to the public, specifically women he forms relationships with'.
Detectives say they also want to talk to the 70-year-old, last seen on October 16, in connection with an ongoing murder inquiry.
It comes as ambulance service alerted police to the sudden death of Kelly Faiers, 61, from Weston-super-Mare, at Scatchard’s address on Blenheim Road, Minehead the day before - on Sunday, October 15.
A forensic post-mortem examination to determine the cause of Kelly’s death was inconclusive, and her death is being treated as suspicious, while further tests are carried out.
Kelly’s family are being supported and updated by specially trained family liaison officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston said: “Our thoughts are with Kelly’s family at this tragic time and we’re doing all we can to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“Officers attended Scatchard’s address on 15 October and returned the following afternoon to speak to him about the death but he had disappeared.
“We initially treated Scatchard as a high-risk missing person due to concerns he presented an immediate and serious risk of harm to himself.
“As our inquiry has progressed, we have become less worried about his welfare and far more concerned about the danger he presents to other people.
“His previous behaviour, along with information we have gathered since his disappearance, makes us anxious that he may have formed a new relationship with one or more women and that he presents a serious risk to their safety.
“Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and has previously been convicted of sexual offences in which he administered drugs to his victims to enable his crimes.
“We’re using a wide range of resources and tactics to try and locate him but have so far been unsuccessful.
“Extensive searches continue to be carried out on both land and at sea in the Minehead area but we really need the public’s help.
“We’ve received 24 reported sightings of him following our earlier appeals – the majority of which were in Minehead and Watchet – and continue to ask people to call 999 immediately if they seem him. Do not approach him as we do not know how he may react.
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who might know where he is or has knowledge of who he’s been in contact with recently.”
The last confirmed sighting of him is now at 10am on 16 October on Blenheim Road.
Avon and Somerset Police say it's believed Scatchard could be using a distinctive electric bicycle – a grey Gepida Alboin Curve which has a pink front tyre rim, flowers on the rim of the rear tyre and green and yellow electrical tape around the handlebars.
Scatchard is white, about 5ft 11ins tall, of average build with short grey hair.
He speaks with a Scottish accent and has previously claimed to be called Richard Dunlop.
DCI Aston added: “This is a complex investigation and our understanding of what may have happened to Kelly continues to evolve.
“Our Professional Standards Department has been made aware of the incident and the initial police response to it and are currently carrying out an assessment.
“Meanwhile, our absolute priority is to find Scatchard and see if he can assist with our enquiries. Richard, if you see this, please do the right thing and hand yourself in.
“Our search has focused on the Minehead area however Scatchard could be anywhere in the country – we know he has recent links to the Cornwall, Gwent and South Wales while previous links include the Cheshire and Leicestershire areas.
“If you can help, please get in touch.”
If you see Scatchard, do not approach, instead phone 999 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223251706.
If you have any other information which could help us find him, either call 101 quoting the same reference or submit it online.