Man, 22, charged with murder a week after woman, 32, vanishes in Exeter

A MAN has been charged with murder in connection of the disappearance of a 32-year-old woman.

Lorraine Cox was last seen in Exeter city centre in the early hours of September 1.

Christopher Mayer, 22 and of no fixed abode in Exeter, has been charged with murder and will appear before Exeter Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

A huge search was launched after she was reported as a missing person two days later.

But police revealed today they have launched a murder investigation following a “significant development”.

Five other men, aged 43, 22, 30, 33 and 71, have all been released on police bail until Wednesday 7 October 2020.

Lorraine’s Facebook page was updated on September 2 to say she had moved to Plymouth.

‘TOTALLY OUT OF CHARACTER’

The update was flooded with messages from worried pals urging her to get in touch – with some claiming someone had “got her phone”.

Others expressed fears as Type 1 diabetic Lorraine left her medical kit at home when she vanished.

One wrote: “Get in touch with someone please”.

Another said: “Is it her online? Or someone on her phone cant see her ignoring everyone when she knows they are worried about her”.

While one concerned friend wrote: “Lorraine this is totally out of character insulin is the one most important drug to keep you alive just let someone know that you are safe privately and confidentially.”

Specialist police officers are carrying out “extensive searches” in Exeter city centre today.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Nattrass from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “We would like to hear from anyone who believes they had seen or heard from Lorraine since 1 September as a matter of urgency.

“The family of Ms Cox have been informed of this development and are being supported by trained liaison officers at this difficult time. They ask for their privacy to be respected.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 999 quoting log 285 for 9 September, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.