MURDER has again haunted the UK angling scene after the body of a man who had been fishing on the River Thames was recovered with severe head wounds. Police (pictured at the spot) have been investigating.
Relatives of the killed angler, 48-year-old local Scott Wilkinson, were concerned when they had not heard from him.
They went to the river at Walton-on-Thames in Surrey, just above Sunbury Weir, only to find his tackle on the bank but him missing.
The Police were called and a body was subsequently found in the water.
A murder investigation was launched after a post-mortem examination established the cause of death to be trauma to the head.
Scott Wilkinson, the angler whose death has shocked Thames regulars and anglers much further afield.
A 25-year-old man who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder was bailed until September 29. Three others were arrested on suspicion of murder and held in custody and two others, including a 16-year-old boy, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and released on bail.
Detective Superintendent Adam Hibbert said: “This was an appalling incident where the victim sustained significant, and ultimately fatal, head injuries.
“A detailed and extensive investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The area is popular with fishermen and dog walkers and I would urge anyone who was in the area and may have seen or heard anything out of the ordinary to contact Surrey Police as a matter of urgency.”
Scott’s body was recovered just above Sunbury Weir, near this lock cutting.
Detectives continue to urge anybody with information to call 101 as a matter of urgency quoting ‘Op Briar’ or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
GOT A NEWS STORY OR MADE A GREAT CATCH? Email details and any pictures to: anglersmail@timeinc.com