Murder suspect still on run

Detectives are trying to trace John Heald (53) in connection with the murder of Bridlington guest house landlady Bei Carter on Friday.

This morning, South Yorkshire Police said John Heald was still not in police custody and urged the public to ring 999 immediately if there were any sightings and to not approach him.

There have been reported sightings of the wanted man in Rotherham and Mexborough.

A police helicopter was seen circling in the Wath area this morning.

Police also want to speak to him in connection with a serious offence that took place in Sheffield on Sunday, July 13.

Det Supt Mathew Hutchinson, leading the search for the wanted man for Humberside Police, said: “There have now been reported sightings of John Heald in Rotherham and Mexborough and we have officers on the ground here to locate him.

“John Heald is a dangerous man and he needs to be found and arrested as a matter of urgency.

“He is wanted for a serious offence in the Sheffield area as well as for the murder of Bei Carter in Bridlington and I believe that people here in this local area know him and may well know where he is.

“It is absolutely imperative that anyone who has seen this man or has any information about his whereabouts calls the police now and tells us what they know.

“To anyone who might be helping Heald evade the police, I would say; consider your actions, this is a very dangerous man, he needs arresting before he can harm anybody else.

“I believe Heald poses a threat to the general public and therefore people should not approach him.

If they do see him they should ring 999 immediately.

“Anyone with information can also contact the Major Incident Team on 01377 208989 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

South Yorkshire Police’s District Commander for Rotherham, Chief Supt Jason Harwin, said: “We are working closely with our colleagues in Humberside Police to quickly locate and arrest this man.

“Additional officers are being deployed to support the investigation and to provide reassurance.

“However, the support of the public is essential in this investigation.

He has contacts in this area and I would urge anyone who sees him to call police on 999 immediately.”