Facebook murder suspect found dead

Police who warned female users of Facebook not to contact a man suspected of murdering his ex-girlfriend have discovered his body in a derelict building in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had been searching for George Appleton, 40, since his former partner, Clare Wood, was found dead at her home in Salford last Friday. They took the unusual step of issuing a warning to female users of Facebook after discovering that he used the site, and other social networking and dating websites, to meet women.

Detectives found his body hanging in a derelict building shortly after midday yesterday. A GMP spokesman said: "The body of a man found hanging close to Manchester city centre this afternoon has been confirmed as that of wanted man George Appleton.

"Detectives have been looking for Appleton since last Friday, when Clare Wood's body was found at her house on St Simon Street in Salford." The building was 100 yards from where officers found his car on Monday, and less than a mile from Ms Wood's address.

Mr Appleton has not been seen since Ms Wood, 36, was found badly burnt in the bedroom of her home. The pair had been involved in a relationship which started in April 2008. Their relationship was over at the time of Ms Wood's death and police said there was no suggestion that they had planned to rekindle their romance.

Police initially appealed for information about his whereabouts on Sunday, issuing CCTV images of him on the night on Ms Wood's death and warning that he is known to use the internet to meet women.

After that appeal, at least four women came forward to say Mr Appleton had contacted them on Facebook and asked to meet them.

A list of the dating websites and computer usernames of Mr Appleton was released and women were warned they should not arrange to meet him under any circumstances. Alerts were issued for all major ports and transport networks.