13/02/2009

Body Found In 'Facebook Fugitive' Search

Police hunting for a murder suspect dubbed the "Facebook fugitive" have found the body of a man hanging in a derelict building in Blackfriars.

Detectives from Greater Manchester Police were searching for George Appleton, 40, who vanished shortly before the remains of Clare Wood, were found at her home on Friday.

Just before 1pm on Thursday a man's body was discovered hanging in the building off Bond Street, Blackfriars, Salford - less than a mile from Appleton's home.

Police have confirmed the body found hanging is Mr Appleton's.

It is understood Appleton, met 36-year-old Miss Wood online and they began a relationship which began in April last year and ended last month.

He was given a fixed penalty notice for smashing her front door, at her home in Blackfriars, a week before she was killed, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed.

Earlier this week, police also said a homelink device - an alarm which notifies police in an emergency – was fitted at Miss Woods' home.

Appleton had arrested and bailed over a separate allegation of assault against her last month.

Police had launched a nationwide manhunt for him, after his car was discovered near Manchester city centre on Monday evening.

Supt Ian Palmer said: "Clare Wood was, by all accounts, a lovely friendly person, and her violent death has shocked all of her friends and family.

"We will now begin the process of collecting all the evidence we have about who murdered her, and will be providing Clare's family with support and guidance at this tragic time.

"We really did feel he (George Appleton) could pose a threat to other women, and it was crucial our warning messages were publicised."

(JM/BMcC)

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