Skydive PC stays with murder inquiry

PC Dave Mitchell is to stay with Humberside Police

A skydiving police officer from County Durham is to continue working on the murder investigation of parachutist Stephen Hilder.

The news follows the arrest of two people in connection with the death of 20-year-old Mr Hilder on 4 July.

Pc Dave Mitchell joined Humberside Police on a month's secondment from the Durham force in September.

But the force says Pc Mitchell, himself a champion parachutist, is to remain on the murder inquiry for the foreseeable future.

Detectives are continuing to question two teenagers arrested in connection with Mr Hilder's murder.

Mr Hilder, from Hereford, fell 13,000ft to his death after both his main chute and the reserve were deliberately cut before he jumped above Hibaldstow Airfield in north Lincolnshire.

'Valuable assistance'

Two men, both aged 19, were arrested on Wednesday at Scunthorpe Police station on suspicion of murder and were taken to separate police stations in the Humberside Force Area.

Pc Mitchell has 20 years experience as a skydiver and eight years as a policeman, working first for the Met before transferring to Durham.

He has provided technical help for detectives working on the murder inquiry as well a offering a background into the culture of skydiving.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "Pc Mitchell is remaining with Humberside Police for the time being.

"He has provided very valuable assistance to the officers involved in the investigation."