Man charged with murder following death of Morecambe man at travellers' site

Thomas McCarthy, 24, of Toddbury Farm, Slapton Road, Little Billington, near Leighton Buzzard, appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday charged with the murder of 43-year-old Patrick Maloney, who lived at the same travellers’ site, last Tuesday.

He is due to appear at Luton Crown Court tomorrow, Tuesday.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Mr Maloney has revealed he died as a result of multiple crushing injuries consistent with being involved in a collision with a vehicle.

Mr Maloney’s wife, Margaret Maloney, said: “I’m devastated at the loss of my husband, my best friend and a wonderful father to our three boys.

“All of our hearts are broken. Finally, to our family and all who knew Patrick, he was a gentle giant.”

A 42-year-old woman also arrested on suspicion of murder is currently on bail with strict conditions until September 14.

Officers have now stood down crime scenes, but the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit continues to piece together the events which led up to Mr Maloney’s death.

Det Insp Jerry Waite said: “While we have withdrawn our live crime scenes, we will continue to conduct visible patrols and are continuing our investigation into the events of Tuesday.

“We would remind the public not to be alarmed, and if anyone has any information, or any concerns, we would still ask them to ring 101 quoting Operation Castor.”

Anyone with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.