A decomposed body was discovered in a remote caravan near Cleeve Hill, Watchet, sparking a major murder investigation in Somerset. The remains are believed to be those of Richard Scatchard, a 70-year-old missing sex offender connected to the death of his girlfriend, Kelly Faiers.
Richard Scatchard had been missing for over six months after Kelly Faiers, aged 61, was found dead at his home in Minehead, Somerset, on October 15 last year. Authorities had been seeking to question Scatchard regarding her suspicious death, which led to a large-scale manhunt when he disappeared.
On April 4, a member of the public alerted police to the presence of a body in the caravan. While formal identification is still awaited, police strongly suspect the remains belong to Scatchard.
Scatchard was a convicted sex offender with a history of drugging victims, posing a significant danger particularly to women he was involved with. Avon and Somerset Police had issued multiple warnings to the public about his dangerous past and sexual offences.
Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins extended condolences to the family of Kelly Faiers and assured that police will continue to provide support. A forensic post-mortem examination is planned to establish the cause and timing of the man’s death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.
The death of Kelly Faiers remains suspicious, with police actively pursuing further leads despite an inconclusive initial post-mortem report. Additionally, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating Avon and Somerset Police’s handling of the case following concerns over their response after Scatchard’s disappearance.
Originally published by UKNIP.
