Man held in probe into Cumbrian bank manager's missing sister

By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 11:55, Thursday, 02 August 2012

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the missing sister of a Cumbrian bank manager.

Carole Waugh

Oil executive Carole Waugh, whose brother is Chris Waugh, of Stainton near Penrith, has not been seen since Easter when she visited Cumbria for a family gathering.

Concerns escalated after a fraudster tried to sell her central London flat by posing as her 53-year-old brother.

Mr Waugh, a senior business manager for Barclays, recently travelled to London to assist detectives. But they have now confirmed they are treating her disappearance as a murder inquiry.

A 47-year-old man was arrested at Luton Airport on Tuesday night on suspicion of kidnap and conspiracy to defraud. He was further arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane said: “Information has been received which has progressed this inquiry and we are now treating Carole’s disappearance as a murder investigation.

“I am unable to go into further detail about the nature of the new information at this time; however, we now believe that Carole has not been seen alive since April 16.

“Since that time, significant plundering of her estate has taken place to the value of hundreds of thousands of pounds.In addition to a number of fraudulent transactions associated with Carole’s bank account, there are also a number of personal possessions that cannot be located.”

Last night the suspect remained in custody at a south London police station.

Originally from County Durham, Ms Waugh was reported missing by her family on May 7 and had never gone missing before.

The last believed sighting of her was thought to be in central London three days earlier – but this was unconfirmed.

To date, a total of 10 people have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4205.

First published at 11:26, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk