Bestival 'murder' suspect released under investigation by Dorset police

Louella Michie was found dead at a wooded area at the edge of the Bestival site in Lulworth, Dorset
Chloe Chaplain12 September 2017
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The 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering the daughter of Holby City actor John Michie at Bestival has been released under investigation

The body of Louella Eve Fletcher-Michie, 25, was discovered in a wooded area on the edge of the festival site at Lulworth Castle, Dorset, on Monday.

Police said a post-mortem investigation carried out on Monday showed no clear signs of an assault.

And the man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and supplying a Class A drug, was released under investigation on Tuesday night, police said.

Louella Michie was found dead at a wooded area at the edge of the Bestival site in Lulworth, Dorset

Officers were alerted to concerns for the welfare of Ms Michie, who was attending the festival, just before 1am and her body was located following a search.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "An initial post-mortem examination took place on September 11, which showed no clear signs of an assault.

"However, further examinations will need to take place over the coming weeks, including toxicology, in order to establish if there are any substances in her system or other suspicious circumstances.

Tragedy: Louella Michie
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"A 28-year-old man, who was known to Louella, was arrested on suspicion of murder and supply of a controlled class A drug. He has now been released under investigation."

Former Coronation Street actor Mr Michie, 66, told The Sun the family had lost their "angel" and described the death as "a tragic mistake, a tragic accident".

"She touched so many lives. She was so very positive, so bright, so out there. She had such energy. The tributes to her have been incredible," he told the newspaper.

In a statement, his agent said Mr Michie and wife Carol - a former Hot Gossip dancer - asked for privacy during the "traumatic time".

Mr Michie, who currently plays neurosurgeon Guy Self in BBC medical drama Holby City, has two other children, Daisy and Sam.

He played Karl Munro in Coronation Street from 2011 to 2013, having starred as Detective Inspector Robbie Ross in drama series Taggart from 1998 to 2010.

Chriss and Tiffany Campbell-Welch, the directors of Tiffany Theatre College, paid tribute to former student Ms Michie.

"Louella was a very gifted student, a beautiful young lady with a sweet soul who was well loved by everyone, peers and mentors alike," they said.

"She had a wonderful ability to light up the room with her smile and make everyone feel happy."

Bestival: Festival organisers said they were 'devastated' by the death
Carolina Faruolo

Modelling agency The Eye Casting tweeted: "It is with profound sadness & shock that tonight we have heard of the death of our beautiful model Louella Michie.

"The thoughts of us all are with her sister Daisy & the rest of her family at this tragic time. We will be making no further statements."

On Monday, the organisers of Bestival said they were "devastated" by the death and were supporting police with the investigation.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police declined to comment on which Class A drug the 28-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of supplying.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire, of Dorset Police, said: "Detectives are working tirelessly to investigate the full circumstances surrounding this tragic death.

"A post mortem examination took place that was inconclusive and therefore we need to undertake a number of other examinations before we can establish why she died.

"We continue to work with the festival organisers and our thoughts are with Louella's family at this extremely difficult time. We would ask that their privacy is respected."

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