A MURDER suspect was due to be questioned today after he was arrested on suspicion of killing of a young man in Bury St Edmunds.William O'Connor, 20, known as Bill, was stabbed behind a row of shops in Home Farm Lane at about 12.

A MURDER suspect was due to be questioned today after he was arrested on suspicion of killing of a young man in Bury St Edmunds.

William O'Connor, 20, known as Bill, was stabbed behind a row of shops in Home Farm Lane at about 12.20pm on Friday. He died at West Suffolk Hospital later that day as a result of his injuries.

Last night, Suffolk police said they had arrested a man, who in his 20s, in Northamptonshire at 5.30pm.

Suffolk Police currently has 40 officers investigating the case who have taken more than 40 calls from the public in connection with the incident.

As well as going through CCTV images from cameras dotted about the area, investigating officers said they were particularly keen to trace the driver of a white transit van seen in the area at the time of the incident.

Speaking before yesterday's arrest, Det Ch Insp David Skevington said: “The white van continues to be a priority and we are speaking to people who live and work in the area. There a lot of these vehicles about.

“House-to-house enquiries have been ongoing over the weekend. There are a number of houses that overlook the area and we are interested in finding out if anybody living in these saw the incident.

“We have circulated the fact we are investigating to all forces across the country.

“We've completed our initial forensic examination on the scene but that is only the first phase.

“Extra patrols will be carried out in the area of Home Farm Lane over the coming days, and any members of the public who would like to speak to an officer can do so at the mobile station.

“We are pleased with the public's response so far. We have taken over 40 calls and want them to keep coming.”

He added: “We want to hear from anyone who saw an old-style white transit van in the area at the time or who saw Bill himself.

“Bill was wearing blue jeans, a navy blue jacket with white stripes up both sleeves and black shoes.

“He was involved in a violent struggle behind the shops on the Hardwick precinct which may have been seen by shoppers and passers-by during the busy lunchtime period.”

Anybody with information is asked to call the incident room on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

laurence.cawley@eadt.co.uk