Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Detectives are appealing for information following the suspicious death of a man in Plymouth.

Drew Perham, aged 24, was reported missing to police on Saturday 24 January after he did not return from a night out in Plymouth the previous evening.

Officers began carrying out searches and enquiries overnight which led to a scene guard being put in place on Soap Street, near Millbay Marina.

Sadly, a body was located in the water this afternoon. Formal identification is yet to take place, but Drew’s family have been informed of this development and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Following initial enquiries, this morning officers arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been further arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Detective Superintendent James Dowler said: “This investigation has been very fast paced, and the community will be aware of the significant policing presence that has been in the Millbay area as our enquiries have progressed throughout the day. This will continue in the coming days.

“Formal identification is yet to take place, however, all of our thoughts are with Drew’s family and friends at this unbelievably difficult time.

“I would like to ask people to avoid speculating about this case – we are in the early stages of our investigation to establish the full circumstances and online speculation in particular, is not helpful.

“Anyone who has information which may assist the police investigation is asked to please get in touch and report it. We are particularly interested in people who may have been in the Millbay area between 1am and 4am during the early hours of Saturday January 24^th.”

Information can be reported to police by calling 101 or via our website quoting reference 50260019981.

Alternatively you can report information anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555111.