Shooting of former lecturer, 74, on Anglesey was previously thought to be hunting accident

Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of a retired lecturer who was shot with a crossbow bolt as he adjusted his satellite dish on Anglesey in north Wales.

A 38-year-old man from the Bryngwran area of the island was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Gerald Corrigan, 74, and a number of other related offences.

A 36-year-old from Bryngwran and a 48-year-old from the Caergeiliog area of the island were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit fraud and a number of related offences.

In addition, a 50-year-old woman, whose address was not given, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and fraud-related offences.

DCS Wayne Jones issued a renewed appeal for information from the public. He said: “This was an unprecedented event which shocked the local community. Early this morning officers from the major incident team, assisted by additional resources from across north Wales, executed a number of search warrants as part of the investigation into the death of Mr Corrigan, a pensioner and well-respected member of the community.

“Our continuing investigation has received widespread assistance from our local community, for which I am very grateful. Enquires to date indicate that Gerald was deliberately targeted and shot.

“I am convinced that there are members of our community who may have key information regarding this terrible attack on Gerald. I would appeal to those people to come forward and speak to us in confidence or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Corrigan was shot with a crossbow bolt outside his home on the morning of Good Friday, 19 April 2019. The bolt passed through his upper body, narrowly missing his heart, and his right arm. He died in hospital from his injuries on 11 May.

DCI Brian Kearney of North Wales police had issued an update to the murder inquiry on Monday as Corrigan’s funeral took place in Knutsford, Cheshire.

“Gerald was a decent retired pensioner who ought to have been able to enjoy his retirement in one of the safest parts of the United Kingdom,” Kearney said. More than 50 officers and staff were working on the investigation, he said.

An initial line of inquiry was thought to be that Corrigan may have been accidentally shot by a lamper – a night-time hunter who uses bright lights to target animals.

Corrigan worked as a lecturer in photography and video in Lancashire before retiring to Anglesey more than 20 years ago and had a keen interest in nature.

After the funeral his partner, Marie Bailey, said it was impossible to express her sadness and shock at the alleged murder.

“He was my best friend and my soulmate,” she said. “All the time we have been together I have been proud to walk at his side and he stood beside me, always.

“His family and friends, colleagues and neighbours are all shocked and horrified at his senseless murder. We all loved and honoured him. I will treasure his memory for all the days of my life, although I would have preferred to treasure him, not just his memory.”

His daughter, Fiona, said: “My dad was a very kind and funny man. He taught me an appreciation of art and nature. There are so many happy moments we shared and I will miss him too much to say.”

His son, Neale, said he would miss his father. “My dad believed in the good in people and in life, and in the importance of family, friendship and love. He taught me that we can change, that to forgive brings freedom, and that we should believe in the best in people as no one is perfect.”