Police launch murder probe after man, 63, is found dead at his home on New Year's Day with his loyal dog still by his side
Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man was found dead in a house in Ipswich on New Years Day.
William McNicholl’s body was found by officers on January 1 after they were called to a property in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, shortly before 6pm.
Suffolk Police's major investigation team is now leading a probe into the 63-year-old’s death and say preliminary results from a Home Office post-mortem examination indicate the cause of death as 'being from multiple injuries'.
The area surrounding the home is still cordoned off with police tape as officers remain at the scene while inquiries continue.
Residents were told over the weekend to expect an increased police presence in the neighbourhood whilst uniformed and non-uniformed officers carried out their work.
Detectives have appealed for anybody with information or who saw any suspicious activity near the address between December 24 and January 1 to contact them.
'Dog daddy' Mr Mcnicholl - who was known as Billy - lost most of his sight after an accident many years ago, and used a mobility scooter to get around.
He had lived alone in his rented ground floor flat with his Staffordshire bull terrier, Leo.
William McNicholl’s body was found by officers on January 1 after they were called to a property in Hawthorn Drive, Ipswich, shortly before 6pm
The area surrounding the home is still cordoned off with police tape as officers remain at the scene while inquiries continue
Residents had been told to expect an increased police presence in the neighbourhood (pictured) whilst uniformed and non-uniformed officers carried out their work
Police confirmed that a dog had been found in the flat, and was now 'safe and well' and being looked after.
Mr Mcnicholl's pet was a replacement for his 11-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called Leo, who died several years ago. A sticker was visible on his front window, stating: 'A home is not a home without a Staffy'.
Members of his family have been informed of his death and have launched a GoFundMe appeal to help pay his funeral costs and give him 'the dignity in his send off that he did not get in his passing'.
His family said: 'We are all shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of one of Ipswich's most kind, funny, complex and unique characters.
'From his electrifying punk roots in the 80s to his dog daddy days of recent, I'm sure we all have lots of memories of him particularly how much he loved his beloved companion Leo Junior woof.
'We appreciate times are tough, especially this time of year but if you can afford to contribute anything it would be so much appreciated by his friends and family.
'Let's give Billy a send off that Leo would be proud of. Many thanks.'
Social media users have also paid tribute to Mr Mcnicholl with one posting 'Rest in paradise, Billy Mcnicholl. Peace now.'
'Dog daddy' Mr Mcnicholl - who was known as Billy - lost most of his sight after an accident many years ago, and used a mobility scooter to get around
Police at the scene after William Mcnicholl died at his flat in Ipswich, Suffolk
Members of his family have been informed of his death and have launched a GoGundMe appeal to help pay his funeral costs
Another friend said on Facebook: 'R.I.P Billy Mcnicholl. We had a lot of good times and a lot of memories I'll hold onto and cherish. Absolutely gutted to hear this news.'
Ipswich borough councillor Peter Gardiner said: 'The news is very disturbing as we all like to think these things don't happen.
'But unfortunately they do from time to time, and I think we have to place our faith in the investigation to find the cause of this.
'If this is a reassurance to the community it appears to be an isolated case and no immediate threat to the public.
'My concern and sympathies would be to the immediate neighbours to where this person was found as presumably this person was known to them.'
