Rudheath murder investigation: Everything we know so far

Emergency services were called to an address in Rudheath on Saturday, with Cheshire Police subsequently launching a murder investigation.

A man has since been arrested and charged with murder, and he is due to appear before the crown court on Wednesday.

Here is everything we know and can say so far in relation to the investigation.

What happened?

At around 3.35pm on Saturday, September 28, Cheshire Police officers, along with other emergency service personnel, were called to reports of a disturbance in Brook Lane.

Paramedics, as well as a team from the North West Air Ambulance, attended the incident and on arrival discovered a man with serious injuries.

Despite their best efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified as 37-year-old David Eaton, of Northwich.

Police cordoned off the street and launched an investigation into the incident, erecting a blue forensics tent outside the address in Brook Lane.

David Eaton (Image: Cheshire Police) Officers later lifted the cordon, but remained at the scene and, as of Monday morning, were still standing guard at the property.

Has there been an arrest?

On Saturday afternoon, detectives investigating the incident arrested a 35-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman on suspicion of murder.

The pair remained in custody throughout Sunday and Monday while they were questioned over the incident.

Has anyone been charged and appeared in court?

Late on Monday night, Matthew Higgins, of Brook Lane, was charged with the murder of David Eaton and remanded him in custody. The woman was released on conditional bail.

Higgins made his first appearance in court before Chester magistrates this morning, Tuesday, standing in the dock in a grey jumper and grey joggers.

He was also seen mouthing to his family, who were present in court, that he loved them.

During the brief hearing Tara Thomas, prosecuting, told the court Mr Eaton had suffered stab wounds to the chest and was heard saying he had been 'stabbed’.

The forensics tent erected in Brook Lane (Image: Newsquest) The court heard a knife was recovered at the scene and ‘significant’ statements had been taken from neighbours.

Ms Thomas added the initial opinion from pathologists is Mr Eaton died from the stab wounds.

The case was then adjourned to Chester Crown Court, where Higgins will appear tomorrow morning, Wednesday.

What have the police said?

In a statement issued on Saturday, Detective Inspector Eleanor Atkinson, who is leading the investigation, said: “I understand the concern this incident is likely to cause, and I want to reassure residents this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider community.

“Patrols have been stepped up in the local area to provide reassurance."

How can I help if I think I have information?

DI Atkinson added: “As part of the investigation we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and may have witnessed anything suspicious.

"The same goes or anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid the in investigation.”

How to contact police if you have information

Anyone with information or footage that could assist with the investigation, should contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number IML 1928426 or visit Public Portal mipp.police.uk

Information can also be submitted by visiting cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/

In addition, information can be provided anonymously by calling the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org