Avon and Somerset Police are actively searching for Richard Scatchard, a 70-year-old man with a history of sexual offences, who poses a grave danger to women he forms relationships with. Scatchard is wanted for questioning in connection with a suspicious death at his Somerset residence and for recall to prison.
The police have labelled Scatchard a high-risk individual, and he has been the subject of an intensive search since his disappearance from Minehead. The last confirmed sighting of him was on Blenheim Road in Minehead on October 16.
This manhunt was triggered after the discovery of the lifeless body of Kelly Faiers, a 61-year-old resident of Weston-super-Mare, at Scatchard’s home on October 15. While a forensic post-mortem examination was inconclusive in determining the cause of her death, it is being treated as suspicious while further tests are conducted.
Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston of Avon and Somerset Police expressed the force’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind Kelly’s death. Officers initially visited Scatchard’s residence on October 15 but found that he had disappeared upon their return the following day.
As the investigation progressed, concerns shifted from Scatchard’s welfare to the potential danger he poses to other individuals, particularly women. His previous criminal history, along with new information gathered since his disappearance, leads authorities to believe that he may have formed new relationships that endanger the safety of these individuals.
Scatchard, described as a prolific user of dating apps, has previously been convicted of sexual offenses that involved administering drugs to his victims. Despite extensive efforts by the police, including searches on land and at sea in the Minehead area, Scatchard remains at large.
There have been 24 reported sightings of him, with the majority in Minehead and nearby Watchet. The police have appealed to the public to immediately call 999 if they see him and to refrain from approaching him due to the perceived danger he poses.
Detectives are also seeking information from anyone who knows Scatchard’s whereabouts or has knowledge of his recent contacts. His last confirmed sighting was in Minehead, but his connections extend to Cornwall, Gwent, South Wales, Cheshire, and Leicestershire.
Scatchard is approximately 5ft 11ins tall, of average build, with short grey hair and a Scottish accent. He may use a distinctive electric bicycle, a grey Gepida Alboin Curve with notable features such as a pink front tire rim, flowers on the rim of the rear tire, and green and yellow electrical tape around the handlebars.
The public’s cooperation is essential in ensuring the safety of potential victims and assisting in this complex investigation. Anyone with information about Richard Scatchard’s whereabouts is urged to contact the police at 999, referencing the case number 5223251706. Additionally, information can be provided via the non-emergency number 101 or through the Avon and Somerset Police website.
The search for Scatchard is ongoing, and the public’s vigilance could be instrumental in locating him and securing the safety of others.
