Detectives investigating the murder of Ellia Arathoon are appealing to trace a man who was seen fishing on the Shropshire Union Canal.

The man officers are looking to trace was seen fishing on the canal between Meadow Lane and Lees Lane, Ellesmere Port , over the weekend of Saturday and to Sunday, October 29-30 – the weekend the clocks went back.

Craig Andrew Proctor, 39, of Shepherds Close, Ellesmere Port, is charged with the murder of Ellia Arathoon, also from Ellesmere Port, on Friday, October 28. A provisional trial date has been set for next April.

Watch: Police search the Shropshire Union Canal

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Investigating officer Detective Inspector Stephen Jones said today: “This area is well used by people travelling to and from nearby industrial areas but also by anglers fishing in the canal.

“The man we are keen to trace was seen fishing on a stretch of the canal known locally as Jones’s straight, adjacent to Butterfly Woods, shortly after 8am on Sunday morning of 30 October. This area is close to the railway bridge over the canal.

Police divers searched the canal that runs through Ellesmere Port. Here an officer cordoned off the scene near Meadow Lane.


“The angler is described as being in his 20s and of possible Polish origin, he was using a ‘spinner’ to fish, which is a particularly unusual technique. He is believed to have travelled to the canal on a motorbike or scooter, which he had with him on the canal towpath.

“I believe that this man could hold vital information in relation to our investigation and I urge him to contact.”

Anyone with any information in relation to the identification of the angler, or any other information in relation to the Ellia’s alleged murder, is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 804 of 31/10/2016. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

■ Police also arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with the investigation but he was released on police bail pending further enquiries.