Chesterfield murder: Police investigating death of dismembered man search pond for body parts

Detectives appeal to public for sightings of man ‘acting suspiciously’ while ‘carrying bags’ in Derbyshire town

Graham Snell was reported missing on 30 June (Derbyshire Police)

Police investigating the alleged murder of a Derbyshire pensioner have been searching a pond for his body parts.

Detectives said Graham Snell, 71, who went missing in Chesterfield last month, had been dismembered.

Daniel Walsh, 29, was charged with his murder last week.

Officers have been searching two houses in the town, in Marsden Street – where both the victim and suspect lived – and Oakamoor Close about two miles away.

On Thursday police divers also began a search of a small pond in Newland Gardens, about a mile from each address.

The force asked anyone who saw “anything suspicious”, including a man “acting suspiciously” while “carrying bags”, to come forward.

Superintendent Gareth Meadows, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “Officers are currently searching for a number of Mr Snell’s body parts which are currently outstanding.

“I would like to take this opportunity to ask the people of Chesterfield, once again, to come forward with any information that they think may be of use to the investigation.”

Police divers have been searching a pond in Newland Gardens, Chesterfield, for Graham Snell’s body parts (Google Street View)

Snell was last seen on 19 June and was reported missing on 30 June.

Mr Meadows said: “Graham was a man who was well-known and well-liked in the area and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

“Detectives are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary, between June 19 and 30.

“In particular we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously between those dates carrying bags in or around the town.

“If you have any information, no matter how inconsequential it might seem, please contact the team.”

Mr Walsh is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 13 September.

Officers investigating Snell’s death also arrested a 31-year-old man last week on suspicion of assisting an offender. He was later released on bail.

Derbyshire Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to contact with Snell before his death.