In a significant development in the case of the missing Blackpool resident Edward Forrester, detectives have charged a 65-year-old man with his murder. Edward Forrester, known as Eddie and aged 55, was last seen on September 1 in Seafield Road, Blackpool, at 13.31. He was reported missing the following day.
After a series of extensive enquiries, a 65-year-old man from Blackpool was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday. Following consultations with the Crown Prosecution Service, William Wilkinson, 65, also of Seafield Road, Blackpool, has now been charged with the murder of Eddie Forrester.
Wilkinson has been remanded into custody and appeared before Preston Magistrates Court on Saturday morning.
Eddie Forrester’s family has been informed of the latest developments and is receiving support from specially trained officers during this distressing time.
The investigation continues, and authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Eddie since his last known sighting on September 1 to come forward. Eddie is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, with grey hair, a Scottish accent, and the use of a walking stick. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing blue jeans and a white and green t-shirt, possibly accompanied by an orange pull-along trolley.
Additionally, law enforcement is seeking information regarding a white Peugeot Boxer van with registration KX09 XPA, which is believed to have been in Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, and Cumbria, including Kendal and Windermere, between 06.00 on Saturday, September 2, and 01.00 on Monday, September 4. The vehicle has since been recovered by the police.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates, leading the Force Major Investigation Team, commented on the ongoing investigation, saying, “This is a fast-moving investigation, and the fact that a man has now been charged with murder is clearly a significant development. Eddie’s family have been made aware of this, and my thoughts are with them at this distressing time.”
He continued, “We believe that he has sadly come to harm. As part of those enquiries, I would ask people to consider if they have seen this vehicle during those three specific days. Please check your CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage to see if you may have captured this Peugeot Boxer Van.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Eddie Forrester’s whereabouts or the white Peugeot Boxer van to contact the police immediately. They can do so by emailing [email protected] or calling 101, quoting log 1384 of September 2, 2023. In case of immediate sightings or emergencies, please dial 999.