Man arrested on suspicion of murdering missing Wirral boxer Brett Flournoy

Jul 13 2011 By Lorna Hughes

A MAN is suspected of murdering a Wirral boxer – even though his body has not been found.

Welterweight and light middleweight fighter Brett Flournoy, 31, vanished last month after picking up a friend on the border of Devon and Cornwall.

The dad-of-two from Bebington and David Griffiths, from Plymouth, were due to travel to Newquay but failed to check into their hotel.

Although their bodies have not been found, Devon and Cornwall Police have now launched a double murder inquiry.

A 28-year-old man from St Austell was arrested and last night was still being questioned by officers from the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

His home was also being searched.

Detective Inspector Costa Nassaris of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Following our extensive enquiries we now believe that both David Griffiths and Brett Flournoy have come to harm.

"Although no bodies have been recovered our proof of life enquiries to date leads us to believe both men have been murdered.

"We have contacted David and Brett’s families and their next of kin have been informed.

"We will continue to support their families, with their local police forces, as the inquiry continues.

"This man is currently being questioned by police and his property is being searched."

Friends of Mr Flournoy, known as "Soul Man", set up a page on Facebook last month urging him to get in touch.

They also sent out messages on Twitter and asked sporting stars Phil Neville and boxer David Haye to spread the word about his disappearance.

Many sent messages of support for his wife Kelly and their young sons Reis and Callum.

A champion kickboxer in his teens, Mr Flournoy spent six years in the Royal Engineers, leaving in 2006.

He ran the Brown Cow pub in Bebington for two years, but in an interview admitted his boxing career had suffered because of the job.

In January last year, the 5ft 9in boxer stepped up a division to take on some of the best 11-stone fighters from across the UK in the Prizefighter tournament, finishing runner-up.

In an online profile for the knockout competition, the Liverpool FC fan said he was "trying to be a property developer" outside boxing and described himself as "laidback and casual".

Mr Flournoy was last seen when he left his home on Thursday, June 16 to drive to Cornwall for a night out with friends.

He and Mr Griffiths were travelling in a white Citroen Bellingo van which had "Tile Style" written in brown on both sides.

Anyone with information should call Devon and Cornwall Police on 08452 777444 quoting reference 359 200611.