Hayley murder suspect wants to return to UK

The former boyfriend of murdered Wiltshire woman Hayley Richards has said that he wants to return to the UK, it has been reported.

Hugo Quintas, who is the main suspect in the murder investigation, is believed to have left the UK on a flight from Bristol airport to his native Portugal on the day Hayley’s body was discovered in her home in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.

The 23-year-old, who was three months pregnant, had been found with her throat cut.

Speaking at a press conference today, Detective Superintendent Mike Veale confirmed that a member of the public had come forward to tell police that Mr Quintas had contacted them and indicated that he wished to return to the UK.

Det Supt Veale also said that police were still searching for the murder weapon and any bloodstained clothing in connection with Hayley’s murder.

Wiltshire police are working with both Interpol and Portuguese authorities in order to try and locate Mr Quintas.

Police have said that Ms Richards had contacted them, alleging to have been assaulted by Mr Quintas a week before she was murdered. Wiltshire police admitted that two potential opportunities for officers to arrest Mr Quintas in connection with the assault had not been taken, while Ms Richards family said they had been told his arrest had been delayed because an interpreter was required.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is now investigating the case.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Hayley’s brother Paul Richards said: “We are a large and close-knit family and what has happened to Hayley has devastated us. She was loved so much, not only by her family but also by everyone who knew her. Hayley was a lovely person. She would not have wanted anyone to seek retribution for what has happened to her. She would have wanted the appropriate action to be taken by the appropriate authority.”

(KMcA/SP)