British police hunt for ‘Facebook killer’

LONDON - British police Tuesday warned women against communicating with a Facebook user suspected to be a killer.

Police said women should not meet up with Facebook user George Appleton after the badly burnt corpse of 36-year-old Clare Wood was discovered last week in the bedroom of her home in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Detectives said 40-year-old Appleton was understood to have been in a relationship with the mother-of-one and could attempt to communicate with women via Facebook or dating websites.

At least four women have already come forward to reveal they had online contact with Appleton, who on his Facebook page lists his activities as ‘wouldent ya like to know’.

Detective Superintendent Pete Jackson, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘George, if you are hearing this message, please listen to me. I want to speak to you and I want you to get some help. Please phone your solicitor or the police. Please tell us where you are and whether you are OK so we can get you some proper help.’

He added: ‘We are investigating the horrible murder of a young mum and are leaving no stone unturned to find the person who killed her.

‘We want to emphasise that anyone who has heard from Appleton in the last few days, or who might know where he is, should not try to arrange to meet him but should call us straightaway.’