Officers have discovered a body believed to be the man wanted in connection with a suspected crossbow murder.

Shane Gilmer, 30, and his pregnant girlfriend Laura Sugden were attacked at their home in the village of Southburn, near Driffield, on Friday evening.

Mr Gilmer, who was a well-liked member of his community and known for helping others according to reports, died at Hull Royal Infirmary on Saturday.

Ms Sugden’s injuries were not life-threatening and that she and her unborn baby were in a stable condition.

On Sunday evening, Humberside Police say a body found in a vehicle in North Yorkshire is believed to be Anthony Lawrence, who was wanted over the attack.

Police had said Lawrence, 56, also known as Tony Howarth, was a neighbour of the couple.

Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller of Humberside Police said: “We can confirm that at around 6pm this evening (Sunday 14 January) officers discovered the body of a man believed to be 55 year old Anthony Lawrence, in a vehicle in a rural location in North Yorkshire. 

“Mr Lawrence was wanted in relation to the murder of Shane Gilmer, 30, and the attempted murder of his pregnant girlfriend Laura Sugden on Friday 12 January.

“Since Friday evening we have been carrying out extensive enquiries into Mr Lawrence’s whereabouts, which led to the location in North Yorkshire, upon where officers discovered a body.

“We are being supported by North Yorkshire Police as part of our wider investigation.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Judi Heaton told earlier told a news conference that the couple and the suspect were neighbours who knew each other.

Asked if a crossbow was used in the attack, she said one was found at the scene and will be forensically examined.

The officer said police believed he had not left the country and were working on a number of lines of inquiry.