Police launch murder investigation following unexplained Devonport death (From This is The West Country)

Police launch murder investigation following unexplained Devonport death

9:39am Wednesday 13th February 2013 in Devon

A "full murder enquiry" has been launched following the discovery of a body at a residential flat at Marlborough House on Granby Way in Devonport last Wednesday.

The body of 76-year-old local man, Michael Brincat was found lying on the floor. Paramedics arrived a short time later who confirmed he was deceased.

At that time this incident was treated as an unexplained death. However, police said that once the post mortem began on Monday morning it became apparent that a forensic post mortem was required.

Chief Superintendent Andy Bickley said: "The forensic post mortem results have since confirmed this is a suspicious death and as of this morning a full murder enquiry has been launched, which is being managed by the major crime investigation team, being led by Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan.

"Based on what we know so far, we believe this is an isolated incident and we have no information to suggest anyone else is in imminent danger, though we would encourage local people as always, to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately."

"We have local neighbourhood officers carrying out reassurance patrols in the Marlborough Street area and if anyone has any concerns or questions I would encourage them to speak to the officers."

Major crime detectives and local neighbourhood staff are now making detailed enquiries to piece together events leading up to the death of Michael Brincat.  These enquiries include detailed CCTV retrieval, extensive house to house enquiries and a comprehensive review of the crime scene.

Especially relevant, are Michaels movements on Tuesday, February 5, when he was last seen alive at about 10.15am at his home address of 55 Marlborough House. Any sightings of Michael around that time would be particularly helpful.

If anyone has any information call 101 and quote ED/13/718, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.