A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the death of a woman.
Dozens of armed officers were dispatched to West Hoe Road at 8.55pm on Wednesday after a woman in her 40s was found seriously injured in the street.
Police named Paul Anthony Butler, 53, as wanted in connection with the fatal incident and launched an urgent manhunt.
He is now in police custody having been arrested in Liskeard, Cornwall, around 20 miles from Plymouth.
Butler was described as being a white male, around 6ft 5ins tall, of proportionate build with brown/grey hair and blue eyes.
The force will make a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of previous contact with the victim.
A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with her family at this time who we are continuing to support.
“Officers would like to thank the local community for their assistance and their patience while our enquiries continue into this incident.”
ARMED POLICE
Five heavily armed officers stormed one apartment at a Great Western Road complex, but appeared to leave the home soon after without drama.
A forensic officer could be seen collecting evidence near a pool of blood outside the four-story building.
However, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed today a woman was taken to hospital before being pronounced dead in the early hours of the morning.
A large number of police units conducted extensive enquiries and searches in the area to locate a male suspect.
A scene guard and local road closures were in place over the course of the night and into the morning.
The victim and suspect are believed to be known to each other.
DCI David Pebworth previously said: “Cordons will likely remain in place for the rest of the day and police units will remain in the area.
“I wish to make the public aware we are looking to locate a man in relation to this incident whose identity is known, and enquiries are ongoing to find him.
“At this time, I would like to reassure the community and further afield in Plymouth that there is no suggestion that there is a wider risk to members of the public.
“There will be a heightened police presence and visibility in the coming days in the area as enquiries are ongoing.
“We will of course update the public once we have further information.”
Some 20 cop cars were parked nearby after the incident unfolded at about 10pm.
A member of the public told The Sun: “There are dozens of police cars and they’ve set up tents on the street.
“There’s a lot of commotion and confusion. An armed police officer told me for my own safety I should stay away from the area.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information to assist police is asked to contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting log number 756 of 22/01/25.
