Police hunting for a fugitive double murder suspect have today found a body, which detectives fear could be his third victim.
The body of the woman was found this afternoon on Newbold Comyn, near Leamington.
The site is 11 miles from Coventry, where the bodies of a mother and her son were found within 24 hours of each other on Monday.
Detectives investigating the deaths of Julie Williams and her son David Williams had launched a manhunt for Anthony Russell – the ‘prime suspect’ in their double murder investigation.
Officers are trying to establish if the discovery of the third body, which has not yet been formally identified, is linked to the 38-year-old – who police have described as ‘extremely dangerous’.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: ‘We are trying to establish if the discovery near Leamington today is linked to prime suspect Anthony Russell, 38, who we believe to be extremely dangerous and who should not be approached.
Police are hunting for Anthony Russell (pictured left), 38, who they say is ‘considered dangerous’. It comes after the body of David Williams, 32, was discovered 24 hours after his mother Julie Williams was found dead in her flat in Coventry
‘Our officers have been hunting for him in connection with the killings of David and Julie Williams in Coventry.
‘At around noon today, officers searching for a missing woman from Warwickshire found a woman’s body on Newbold Comyn near Leamington.
‘We have information which suggests Russell may be connected to the death.
‘Anyone who sees him has been asked not to approach him but to contact 999 immediately.’
The latest statement comes after the body of David Williams, 32, was discovered 24 hours after his mother Julie Williams, 58, was found dead in her flat in Coventry.
The hunt comes after the body of Mrs Williams, 58, was discovered at her flat at Emily Smith House, Riley Square, just before 11pm on Sunday. Pictured: Police at the scene
Mrs Williams was discovered at her flat at Emily Smith House, Riley Square, just before 11pm on Sunday.
The discovery of her body followed concerns for her welfare.
Mr Williams, who lived with his mother, was last seen on October 20 and reported missing on Saturday evening.
He was found dead at a nearby flat, also in Riley Square, at around 11.30pm on Monday.
West Midlands Police launched a double murder investigation.
Post-mortem examinations have yet to take place to determine the cause of their deaths, a force spokesperson said.
Russell, of no fixed address, but with links to Coventry, is ‘considered extremely dangerous’ by police.
It is thought he could have travelled south, possibly to Plymouth, Devon or Cornwall.
Police say he has links Coventry as well as Warwickshire and they are urgently appealing for information about his whereabouts.
Assistant Chief Constable for West Midlands Police, Jayne Meir, today said: ‘I can’t stress enough how important it us that we find and arrest Russell, and we really need the public’s help to do that.
Mr Williams, who was last seen on October 20 and reported missing on Saturday evening, was found dead at a nearby flat, also in Riley Square, at around 11.30pm on Monday. Pictured: Police at the scene
Post-mortem examinations have yet to take place to determine the cause of their deaths, West Midlands Police said. Pictured: Police at the scene
West Midlands Police (pictured: An officer at the scene) have launched a double murder investigation
‘Anyone who knows where he is or sees him should not approach him, but call 999 immediately.
‘We know he sometimes sleeps rough, and is a drug user.
‘It’s early in the investigation, but we have information to suggest that Russell may be linked to the death of the woman found near Leamington today.
‘We are working hard to identify her, and to find and arrest Russell.’
Speaking about the deaths of Mr and Mrs Williams, Detective Inspector Jim Mahon, from West Midlands Police homicide team, said: ‘These deaths are very sad and my thoughts are with David and Julie’s family at this difficult time.
‘Our investigation continues at significant pace but we need to find Russell as soon as possible.
‘I’m urging anyone with information about where he is to get in touch with us straight away.’
The public is asked not to approach him if seen, and instead phone police on 999.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and is in custody.
