THE discovery of a body on the North York Moors has brought to an end a hunt for a man suspected of murdering his neighbour with a crossbow and attempting to murder a pregnant woman.

Humberside Police confirmed on Monday that the body of a man found in a vehicle parked near the North Yorkshire coast on Sunday evening was that of Anthony Lawrence, 56, wanted on suspicion of killing a man in Southburn, near Driffield.

Shane Gilmer, 30 and his pregnant partner, Laura Sugden, were attacked in their home on Friday evening.

Mr Gilmer, who was said to be a popular and caring man, died of his injuries at Hull Royal Infirmary on Saturday morning.

A crossbow had been found at the scene of the attack and it was due to be forensically examined.

Laura Sugden’s injuries were not thought to be life-threatening and she and her unborn baby were in a stable condition.

During the hunt, police warned the public not to approach Lawrence, also known as Tony Howarth.

His body was found at 6pm on Sunday in a vehicle parked in a layby close to Hackness in the North York Moors, near the A171.

The Northern Echo:

TRAGIC: Shane Gilmer Southburn, near Driffield, who died in hospital of his injuries

Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Miller, of Humberside Police, said: “Our enquiries into this tragic murder investigation continue. The incidents over the weekend have led to the death of Shane Gilmer and attempted murder of Shane’s partner Laura Sugden who is pregnant.

“We will now look to establish the full details of the incident and continue to gather witness statements and evidence as part of this ongoing investigation.

“I want to thank members of the public who have helped enormously over the weekend while we conducted searches for the suspect. I want to particularly praise the residents of the Southburn and Driffield area who have been extremely stoic under the circumstances.

“Shane’s family continues to be supported by our specially trained officers and we would ask for consideration as they come to terms with their tragic loss.”