Man held over body in freezer

Police investigating the death of a man whose body was found in a freezer have arrested a 27-year-old man.

They made the arrest in the Hanham area of Bristol today following the discovery of the victim's body in Oaklands, Paulton, near Bath, on Sunday night.

The victim is thought to be 64-year-old father-of-three David Heal, the owner of the property, who lived alone with his dog.

Lorraine Harvey, 53, from nearby Timsbury, understood to be Mr Heal's girlfriend, is already helping police with their inquiries.

Police have not confirmed the identity of the 27-year-old but earlier today they made an appeal to trace Matthew Sidney Roberts, 27, who lived in the same semi-detached bungalow where the body was discovered.

Police said Mr Roberts has links in the Paulton area, the Hanham area of Bristol and also the Salford area of Manchester.

Police spokesman Darren Bane said: "Identification needs to be confirmed and established but at this moment in time, we are no longer looking for anyone else in connection with this inquiry."

Officers first went to the house on Sunday after relatives became increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of a man.

During a detailed search, the body was found.

The freezer and the body have been taken to the mortuary at Bristol's Southmead Hospital but a post-mortem examination is not likely until next week.

Avon and Somerset Police inspector Nigel Tinsley-Such described the death as "clearly suspicious" and appealed for anyone with links to the property to come forward.

Mr Heal, a recently divorced electrician, had moved to Paulton three months ago from nearby Hallatrow.

A warrant for the further detention of the 53-year-old woman has been obtained by police, who can question her until 10pm today.

Police added that due to the circumstances in which the body was found, it may be several days before a post mortem examination can take place to ascertain
the cause of death.