Leicestershire Police investigating the death of Timothy Macdonald who was found dead in a field in Plungar believe they now have the Samsung mobile phone they were looking for as part of their inquires

Following a public appeal issued last week, a mobile phone has now been located as part of an ongoing murder investigation.

Detectives investigating the death of Timothy Macdonald appealed last week to help find a Samsung mobile phone which it is believed could assist the ongoing investigation.

On Saturday (November 18), a mobile phone was handed in by a member of the public to police at Melton police station.

Following enquiries it is believed this is the phone police were looking for when they put out the appeal.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector David Greenhalgh, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said: “From both myself and the family of Mr Macdonald, thank you very much to everyone who shared our appeal and of course to the person who handed the phone in. Your work with us and your response to our appeal is very much appreciated and is extremely helpful to our ongoing inquiries as we continue to find much-needed answers for Mr. Macdonald’s family.”

The body of 46-year-old Mr Macdonald was found in a field off Highgate Lane, in Plungar, at 3.30pm on Tuesday, November 7.

A post-mortem examination has determined that Mr Macdonald’s cause of death was a gunshot wound injury, pending further tests.

A murder investigation remains ongoing into Mr Macdonald’s death.

Mr Macdonald’s family have paid tribute to him describing him as a “much loved son, father, brother and son-in-law.