Man in Emneth shotgun death mystery released ‘under investigation’

A man arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Lesley Page, 65, at Emneth near Wisbech has been released under investigation.

Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team have been questioning the man, in his 60s, at King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre since Monday (11 September 202).

It follows the discovery of a body – “provisionally identified as 65-year-old Lesley Page” at Banyer Hall, Emneth on Monday morning.

A spokesperson for Norfolk Police said: “A Home Office post-mortem examination was held yesterday, with provisional results showing the cause of death as gunshot wounds.

“Detectives applied for a warrant of further detention at Norwich Magistrates’ Court yesterday and were granted extra time to question the man in his 60s.

“He has now been released under investigation while enquiries continue.”

Senior Investigating Officer Alix Wright said: “We are still working to establish the circumstances that led to Mrs Page’s death.

“We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, however, we are keeping an open mind and the investigation continues to establish the full facts.”

Anyone with information should contact the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team on 101 quoting reference 36/65290/23 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 08000 555 111.

Provisional results from a post mortem carried out yesterday on Mrs Page “showed the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the torso”.

Drone footage by CambsNews shows the extent of the search of the grounds being carried out by detectives and forensic teams.

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Police were first called to Banyer Hall shortly before 7.30am on Monday (11 September) following a report that the body of a woman, aged in her 60s, had been found.

A man was arrested on suspicion of murder the same day and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning; he has remained in custody since.

A police spokesperson said: “A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday, with provisional results showing the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the torso.

“Pending formal coroner’s inquest proceedings, police have provisionally identified the deceased as 65-year-old Lesley Page of Lady’s Drove, Emneth.”

Mrs Page and her husband Steve bought Banyer Hall in Lady’s Drove, Emneth, in 2017.

The couple successfully obtained a certificate of lawful use from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council in 2021 to confirm that a wildlife pond and earth mounds had been completed at least four previously and so therefore were not in breach of town and country planning laws.

The house was sold in 2017 for around £600,000 and has been in the same ownership since then.

Viewers of the BBC ‘Escape to the Country’ were given a guided tour of Banyer Hall when it was offered for sale six years ago.

A couple looking to re-locate to Norfolk were shown Banyer Hall last – it was the ‘mystery house’ producers leave to last.

It attracted the couple, particularly after they told that former parish vicars included the Rev Wilbert Awdry, creator of Thomas the Tank engine.

However, despite being wowed by the ‘handsome, nice big windows’ appeal, the couple bought a home elsewhere.