Suspect’s car found in murder hunt

DETECTIVES searching for George Appleton in connection with the death of a Salford mother have found his car in Manchester city centre.

The red Ford Escort, which was discovered in Greengate at 5pm on Monday, was seized for forensic examination.

Clare Wood (36) was found murdered at her house on St Simon Street in Blackfriars, Salford, at 12.30pm on Friday, February 6.

A search for Appleton, Clare’s former boy friend, began immediately. Officers are keen to speak to him in connection with this murder investigation. Detectives have urged anyone who has contact with Appleton over online dating websites should not attempt to meet him but should call police straight away.

The investigation into Appleton’s whereabouts is ongoing and alerts have been put in place at all major ports and transport networks. Searches in the local area have also been intensified.

Det-Supt Pete Jackson, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: “We are still worried that Appleton might be trying to contact women online and arranging to meet them. I must urge anyone who thinks they might have heard from him not to meet him, but to call us immediately.

“We found his car but unfortunately we still have not found him. I want to reassure people that we are working very hard behind the scenes to trace George Appleton, but we are continuing to ask the public for their help finding him.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161-856 5448 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.