Cheshire Police are looking for a man who they say could be a key witness in the investigation into the death of South Wirral mum Ellia Arathoon.

Craig Andrew Proctor, 39, has been charged with the murder of 29-year-old Ms Arathoon and will stand trial at Chester Crown Court on April 26 next year.

The man police are seeking was seen fishing on the canal between Meadow Lane and Lees Lane in Ellesmere Port on the weekend of October 29-30.

Investigating officer Detective Inspector Stephen Jones said: “This area is well used by people travelling to and from nearby industrial areas but also by anglers fishing in the canal.

“The man we are keen to trace was seen fishing on a stretch of the canal - known locally as Jones’s Straight - adjacent to Butterfly Woods shortly after 8am, on Sunday, October 30.

“This area is close to the railway bridge over the canal.

“The angler is described as being in his 20s and possibly of Polish origin. He was using a ‘spinner’ to fish, which is a particularly unusual technique.

“He is believed to have travelled to the canal on a motorbike or scooter which he had with him on the canal towpath.”

Detective Insp Jones added: “I believe that this man could hold vital information in relation to our investigation and I urge him to contact us on 101.”

Anyone who has any information about the angler or Ellia’s death should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 804 on October 31, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.