Manhunt for John Heald, wanted in connection with murder of Bei Carter

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jul/22/bei-carter-john-heald-manhunt

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More than 150 police, included armed officers, are hunting for a man following the murder of a Bridlington guest house landlady.

John Heald, 53, is wanted by Humberside police in connection with the murder of Bei Carter, 49, who was found dead at Morayland Guest House, Bridlington in East Yorkshire on Friday 18 July.

Carter was found dead in one of the rooms and died from a single stab wound to the chest, police said.

Heald is also wanted by South Yorkshire police in connection with a serious offence involving violence in Sheffield on Sunday 13 July. They refused to give further detail except to say it was not another murder.

Humberside police and South Yorkshire police are conducting a joint search for Heald, and officers strongly believe he is in the Rotherham area.

The operation is focused at Wath-upon-Dearne in South Yorkshire, following potential sightings of Heald in the Rotherham and Doncaster areas where he has lived for most of his life.

District commander for Rotherham, Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, said: "It is imperative if you see him, or someone you think is him, that you do not approach him but contact police immediately on 999.

"If you are harbouring this man you are committing an offence. Don't try to hide this man through misguided loyalties; you need to call police and turn him in."

Harwin said there were around 150 officers working on the search including mounted and dog sections. He reminded the public to be vigilant and keep their doors locked.

Heald is described as 1.8m (5ft 11in) tall, of slim build, with blue eyes and short mousey brown hair. His right ear is pierced and he has tattoos on his hands and arms.

DCI Matthew Baldwin, from Humberside police, who is leading the murder investigation, said he did not believe Heald knew Bei Carter.

Baldwin said her family was "shocked and outraged" by her murder.

"The family have only lived in Bridlington for a short period of time, having returned to the country from China over two years ago," he said.

"They've found a guest house and been happy there. They've become members of the community. This has not only had a huge effect on the family but also on the community of guest house owners in Bridlington.

"The sooner we find John Heald the easier it will be for them."