Six arrested after search for missing Exeter woman becomes murder inquiry

The crime scene near Mary Arches Street in Exeter city centre.

Six men have now been arrested on suspicion of murdering a missing woman from Exeter.

Lorraine Cox was last seen in Exeter city centre in the early hours of Thursday, 1 September and was reported missing two days later.

Following a “significant development in the case”, Devon and Cornwall Police arrested six men aged between 22 and 71.

Police officers on the scene. Credit: Tom Heywood

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Nattrass, from the major crime investigation team, said: "Lorraine Cox had initially been treated as a missing person following concerns for her welfare from her friends and relatives.

"However, following a significant development in the case, we are now treating this as a murder investigation.

"Extensive searches by specialist officers are currently taking place in and around Mary Arches Street in Exeter city centre.

"We would like to hear from anyone who believes they had seen or heard from Lorraine since 1 September as a matter of urgency.

"If you have any information that can assist us with our investigation, please contact the police on 999, quoting log 285 for 9 September."

Police said Ms Cox's family have been informed of the development and are being supported by trained liaison officers.