DEVON and Cornwall Police is currently searching woods and farmland at Newton St Cyres in connection with the alleged murder of Lorraine Cox in Exeter.

Local residents said that they have seen police in Newton Woods during the last few days, including today, Monday, September 14.

A man has been charged with murder in connection with the disappearance of 32-year-old Lorraine Cox.

Christopher Mayer (22) and of no fixed abode in Exeter, has been charged with murder and appeared before Exeter Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, September 12.

Five other men, aged 43, 22, 30, 33 and 71, have all been released on police bail until Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

The family of Lorraine have been kept informed of these updates and are being supported by trained liaison officers. They continue to ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

Lorraine was last seen in the early hours of September 1 in Exeter City Centre and police have issued an appeal for anyone who saw her around that time to get in touch.

A murder investigation was launched after Lorraine had been reported missing.

An investigation began in Mary Arches Street in Exeter on September 9 and the road is still closed in the area.

Police have confirmed that as well as searches in the Mary Arches Street area, searches are also taking place in the Tinpit Hill area of Newton St Cyres in connection with investigations.

Currently there is no access to these areas by members of the public while investigations continue.