Man arrested on suspicion of murder after body found near Plymouth marina

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a body in the water near Millbay Marina in Plymouth.
The case centres on 24-year-old Drew Perham, who was reported missing to Devon and Cornwall Police after failing to return home from a night out in Plymouth on Friday. He was reported missing on Saturday, prompting officers to begin searches and enquiries in the local area.
As part of those enquiries, a scene guard was put in place on Soap Street, near Millbay Marina. On Sunday afternoon, a body was found in the water close to the marina.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but police have informed Mr Perham’s family about the discovery. According to the force, they are being supported by specially trained officers.
Police have described the death as suspicious and launched a homicide investigation. Following initial enquiries, officers arrested the 19-year-old man on Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder. He has since been further arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Detective Superintendent James Dowler, who is leading the investigation, said that “all of our thoughts are with Drew’s family and friends at this unbelievably difficult time.”
DS Dowler described the investigation as “very fast-paced” and noted that the community would have seen a significant police presence in the Millbay area as enquiries have progressed. He said the visible policing operation in and around Millbay would continue in the coming days as officers work to establish the full circumstances.
The detective superintendent also urged people not to speculate about the case, warning that online speculation in particular is unhelpful while officers are still in the early stages of the investigation.
As part of an appeal for witnesses, DS Dowler said detectives are “particularly interested in people who may have been in the Millbay area between 1am and 4am during the early hours of Saturday”.
Members of the public with information that could help the investigation are asked to contact police, quoting reference 50260019981, or to provide details anonymously via Crimestoppers.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​