Exeter murder victim named

Police have named the man who died following an altercation in Exeter at the weekend.

Now formally identified, he has been named as Stephen Cook, 45, from Exeter.

A 29-year-old woman from Exeter and a 32-year-old man from Exmouth, who had been arrested on suspicion of affray, have been released on bail to return Thursday 27 April.

A 19-year-old of no fixed abode who was arrested on suspicion of murder will face no further police action on that matter but was further arrested on suspicion of affray and has been released on police bail to return on Thursday 27 April.

A 19-year-old from Christchurch, Bournemouth, who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

A murder investigation was launched after police were called to an altercation in Sidwell Street, Exeter, at around 8.10pm on Saturday 28 January.

Officers and paramedics attended, and a man was found having suffered a stab wound.

He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.

Detective Inspector Stephanie Blundell, who is leading the investigation said: “Enquiries are ongoing and residents should expect to see continuing police activity in Exeter connected to this investigation over the coming week.

“In the light of the ongoing investigation we would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances of this case on social media.”

Police cordons in Sidwell Street were lifted at around 2.30am on Monday 30 January.

If you witnessed the incident or have any information, including dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk

Update 31 January 2023

19-year-old Stephen Cook in Exeter is due to appear at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 2 February charged with the murder of Stephen Cook.

Brian Jewell, of no fixed abode, initially appeared before magistrates on Tuesday 31 January where the case was referred to Exeter Crown Court. Jewell was remanded in custody.

Mr Cook, aged 45 and from Exeter, died following an incident in Sidwell Street on the evening of Saturday 28 January.

Police can confirm that three other individuals, two men and a woman initially arrested as part of the investigation, have been eliminated from enquiries and no further policing action will be taken.  

Anyone with information they think might be relevant to enquiries can contact the investigation team via the Major Incident Police Portal here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)