Police hunt for double murder suspect Anthony Russell intensifies as third body is found

Police detectives hunting for a double murder suspect are now investigating the discovery of a third body, West Midlands Police (WMP) have announced.

At around noon today, officers searching for a missing woman from Warwickshire found a woman’s body on Newbold Comyn near Leamington. The woman has not yet been identified.

The force said in a statement that they are trying to establish if the discovery near Leamington today is linked to prime suspect Anthony Russell, 38, who they believe to be extremely dangerous and who should not be approached.

“We have information which suggests Russell may be connected to the death. Anyone who sees him has been asked not to approach him but to contact 999 immediately.”

Officers have been hunting for Russell in connection with the killings of David and Julie Williams in Coventry over the weekend.

According to WMP, Russell has links to Coventry as well as Warwickshire and we are urgently appealing for information about his whereabouts.

David Williams, aged 32, was found dead at a flat in Riley Square, Coventry at around 11:30pm on 26 October. He was last seen on 20 October and then reported missing to police on Saturday evening (24 October).

His mother, Julie Williams, aged 58, was found dead at her flat at Emily Smith House, also in Riley Square, just before 11pm on Sunday (25 October) after concerns were raised for her welfare.

The causes of their deaths are yet to be established, and post-mortems are due to take place in due course.

A 36-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, has been bailed with conditions.

Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir said: “I can’t stress enough how important it us that we find and arrest Russell, and we really need the public’s help to do that.

“Anyone who knows where he is or sees him should not approach him, but call 999 immediately.

“We know he sometimes sleeps rough, and is a drug user. It’s early in the investigation, but we have information to suggest that Russell may be linked to the death of the woman found near Leamington today.

“We are working hard to identify her, and to find and arrest Russell.”

West Midlands Police have urged anyone who may know where Anthony Russell is to call them on 999 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.