Bridlington guest house murder: Police say victim died from stab wound

The body of the 49-year-old landlady of The Morayland Hotel in Marshall Avenue, Bridlington, was found on Friday 18 July.

Detectives and around 150 police officers are searching the South Yorkshire area for 53-year-old Rotherham man John Heald who is wanted in connection with the murder.

He is also wanted on suspicion of a serious offence in Sheffield on Sunday 13 July.

Mr Heald is described as 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build, with blue eyes and short mousey brown hair. His right ear is pierced and he has tattoos on his hands and arms.

On his left hand he has a horse and dots on his knuckles and on his right hand he has dots on his knuckles and on his right arm he has a mermaid and an eagle.

Potential sightings of Mr Heald have been reported to police in the last 48 hours in the Wath-upon-Deane, Mexborough, Rawmarsh and Swinton areas.

Detective Chief Superintendent Matthew Baldwin, of Humberside Police, said: “The impact on this lady’s family is massive and the sooner John Heald is found the easier it will be on them to start to come to terms with what’s happening.

“If anybody does know where John Heald is, they need to tell us where he is.

“The impact on the victim’s family cannot be underestimated. This is an unbelievable event to them, quite rightly they are shocked and outraged by what’s happened.”

District Commander for Rotherham, Chief Superintendent Jason Harwin, said: “We would like to thank the public for their continued support and for contacting us with information.

“We need that information to keep coming to us so we can find him as soon as possible.

“It is imperative if you see him, or someone you think is him, that you do not approach him but contact police immediately on 999.

“If you are harbouring this man you are committing an offence. Don’t try to hide this man through misguided loyalties; you need to call police and turn him in.

“I would like to reassure members of the community that we are doing everything in our power to locate this man.”

If you see John Heald call 999 immediately.