POLICE IN England have launched an international manhunt following the murder of pregnant 23-year-old Hayley Jane Richards at her home in Wiltshire during the weekend. The prime suspect in the case is alleged to be her former boyfriend, Portuguese Hugo Quintas, who is believed to have returned to Portugal and could currently be in the Algarve or the Alentejo.
British police believe he boarded a flight to Faro from Bristol Airport on Saturday, the day her body was discovered. Interpol has been alerted to assist in locating him for questioning.
Hayley’s body was discovered at her home in Trowbridge last Saturday afternoon, after she failed to appear in the morning at the restaurant where she worked. It has been reported that her throat had been cut.
Hayley, who was three months pregnant, had been the victim of an assault a week ago, after which she dialled the 999 emergency number and reported Hugo Quintas as being the perpetrator. He was due to be interviewed by police in connection with this incident, which also happened at her home. However, a delay had occurred in the interview taking place because police had been waiting for an interpreter.
Supt. Peter Russ, of Wiltshire Police, confirmed officers had been investigating the previous alleged assault but no arrest had been made. The force has also decided to refer the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
Supt. Russ said: “We are very keen to trace and interview Hugo Quintas, and are currently liaising with Interpol, as well as Portuguese law enforcement agencies.”
He added police were “keeping an open mind and investigating all relevant lines of inquiry”, but confirmed that forensic examinations were continuing at the property and also at another address in Seymour Court in the town.
It has been reported that Hugo Quintas is likely to have boarded any one of the following flights from Bristol to Faro on Saturday: a 9.30am Easyjet flight, a First Choice flight at 6pm or the 7.55pm Easyjet flight.
Shock
The Richards family is reported to be in a state of “deep, deep shock”. In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Paul Richards said: “Hayley was a beautiful young woman, she hurt no one and was loved by all. She was always there when required, no matter what was asked of her.”
Supt. Ross has attempted to allay the fears of local residents saying: “This is a very unusual crime to take place in Trowbridge.”
