Darren McKie remains in custody after discovery of Leanne McKie’s remains in Poynton Lake, Cheshire

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A police officer has been charged with the murder of his detective wife, whose body was found in a lake in Cheshire on Friday.

Sgt Darren McKie, 43, will appear at South and East Cheshire magistrates court on Tuesday after the discovery of the remains of Leanne McKie, 39, in Poynton Park near Stockport.

The couple, from Wilmslow in Cheshire, were serving officers with Greater Manchester police. Leanne McKie had three children and worked in the serious sexual offences unit.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire police said: “Darren McKie, from … Wilmslow, was arrested in the early hours of Friday 29 September after the body of Leanne McKie was found. He was subsequently charged with murder today.”

Police said he was assisting officers with their inquiries and would remain in custody.

On Monday evening police were still appealing for information and were particularly interested in speaking to a group of four people who were walking past Poynton Lake in the early hours of Friday.

“The group were seen walking along A523, London Road North, towards Stockport at approximately 12.15am,” DI Adam Waller said.

Officers would also like to speak to anyone who saw Leanne McKie’s red Mini between Thursday afternoon and the early hours of Friday morning.



Ian Hopkins, the chief constable of Greater Manchester police, said: “I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Leanne’s family and friends at this devastating time. My heart particularly goes out to her three young children, who she adored.”

Cheshire police urge anyone with information about the case to call 101 quoting 93 of 29/9/2017. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.