Cops urgently hunt sex offender Richard Scatchard, 70, after woman found ‘murdered’ at his Minehead home

COPS are urgently hunting a convicted sex offender after a woman was found dead at his home.

Richard Scatchard, 70, was last seen in Minehead, Somerset, ten days ago - disappearing the day after Kelly Faiers found dead at his property.

Avon and Somerset Police have now warned the public he poses a danger to the public - "specifically women he forms relationships with" - as they hunt him as part of their murder inquiry.

Ambulance crews had been called to his home on Blenheim Road, Minehead on Sunday 15 October to find the body of Kelly Faiers, 61.

But when cops returned the next day about tragic Kelly's death, Scatchard had disappeared.

A forensic post-mortem examination to determine the cause of Kelly’s death was inconclusive.

Her death is currently being treated as suspicious while police await the results of further tests.

And police are now searching for Scatchard, who was last seen on October 16 - warning he could be "anywhere in the country".

Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston said: “As our inquiry has progressed, we have become less worried about his welfare and far more concerned about the danger he presents to other people.

“His previous behaviour, along with information we have gathered since his disappearance, makes us anxious that he may have formed a new relationship with one or more women and that he presents a serious risk to their safety.

“Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and has previously been convicted of sexual offences in which he administered drugs to his victims to enable his crimes."

As part of their search, police have used land and sea searches.

It’s believed Scatchard could be using a distinctive electric bicycle – a grey Gepida Alboin Curve which has a pink front tyre rim, flowers on the rim of the rear tyre and green and yellow electrical tape around the handlebars.

Scatchard is white, about 5ft 11ins tall, of average build with short grey hair. He speaks with a Scottish accent and has previously claimed to be called Richard Dunlop.

DCI Aston added: “This is a complex investigation and our understanding of what may have happened to Kelly continues to evolve.

“Our Professional Standards Department has been made aware of the incident and the initial police response to it and are currently carrying out an assessment.

“Meanwhile, our absolute priority is to find Scatchard and see if he can assist with our enquiries. Richard, if you see this, please do the right thing and hand yourself in.

“Our search has focused on the Minehead area however Scatchard could be anywhere in the country – we know he has recent links to the Cornwall, Gwent and South Wales while previous links include the Cheshire and Leicestershire areas.

“If you can help, please get in touch.”

If you see Scatchard, do not approach, instead phone 999 and provide the call handler with the reference 5223251706.