Billy McNicholl: Murder police pinpoint week-long window before man's body found

• Andy Ward spoke to local people who said they were too afraid to leave their homes.

Detectives leading a murder investigation are examining a week-long period as they try to piece together what happened to a man who was found dead on New Year's Day.

William McNicholl, 63, was found dead at an address in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich just before 6pm on 1 January.

Suffolk Police announced on Sunday it was being treated as a murder inquiry and are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity near the address between 24 December and 1 January to come forward.

McNicholl, known locally as Billy, was named after a post-mortem examination on Saturday, with preliminary results indicating he died from multiple injuries.

His family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money towards his funeral costs to "offer him the dignity in his send-off that he did not get in his passing", which has so far raised £250 of its £4,500 target.

The page, set up by Mr McNicholl's niece Amy Clarke, called him "one of Ipswich's most kind, funny, complex and unique characters" who loved his "beloved companion" Leo, a Staffordshire bull terrier.

A neighbour who spoke to ITV News Anglia anonymously said he had lived in the area for around five years and always said hello.

Mr McNicholl was pleasant whenever she saw him, she said, adding that the police presence in the area was reassuring.

Flowers have begun to be left at the scene, with one bearing a note from Ms Clarke, urging her uncle to "Fly high and stay the brightest star in the sky".

Another said: "Rest in peace, brov."

A police scene remains in place at the premises near the junction with Marigold Avenue, with residents warned to expect an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

A formal inquest has yet to take place.

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