200 sightings of suspect wanted over killing of landlady

John Heald, 53, is wanted by Humberside Police in connection with the death of Bei Carter, 49, who was found dead at Morayland Hotel, Marshall Avenue, Bridlington, late on Friday night. Detectives have confirmed that she died as a result of a single stab wound.

South Yorkshire Police officers say they searched numerous areas including Corton Wood, Wath-upon-Dearne, Mexborough and Swinton.

Officers also revealed that an offence he was also wanted for in South Yorkshire was a “targeted serious sexual assault”.

Officers are focusing their search in South Yorkshire after a number of potential sightings of him in the area.

They are also appealing for room keys from the Morayland Hotel which Heald may have taken, labelled with ‘Room 1’.

A reward of up to £5,000 has been offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

District Commander for Rotherham, Chief Supt Jason Harwin, said yesterday: “We would like to thank the public for their continued support and for contacting us with information.

“We have had more than 200 calls about potential sightings. Many of those have been eliminated but others are lines of inquiry we are following.

“There is still no suggestion to say he has left South Yorkshire so we continue to have a large number of specialist officers from South Yorkshire and Humberside Police carrying out detailed searches.”

More than 150 police, including armed officers, are involved in the search for Heald. Mounted police and dogs have been involved in the search as well as a helicopter, which has been seen flying low over north Rotherham and the Dearne Valley during the investigation.

Heald is 5ft 11in, of slim build, with blue eyes and short mousey brown hair. His right ear is pierced and he has tattoos on his hands and arms.

Officers have warned the public Heald is dangerous.

They have urged people to keep doors locked and to ensure somebody knows where they are when they go out and when they are due home.

Anyone who sees Heald is urged to call 999 immediately.