Update 8.15pm, 25 June

We have charged Owen Blades, 26, of Tennyson Street, Gainsborough, with murder following the death of John Connolly.

He was charged this evening and has been remanded into custody for a hearing at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (26 June).

He has also been charged with shop theft relating to an incident reported by Tesco in Lincoln High Street, and burglary at a separate address in the area.

Our investigation into John’s death is continuing, and we would ask anyone who has not yet come forward with information that may assist with our investigation to get in touch by calling 101 or reporting it through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) under Operation Linen.

Update 6.40pm 24 June

We have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 69-year-old John Connolly.

He is currently in custody and will be questioned by detectives.

He has also been arrested on suspicion of shop theft and aggravated burglary.

Our investigation into John’s death is continuing, and we have specially-trained underwater search teams carrying out further investigations in the Portland Street area today.

We continue to ask for witnesses to come forward with information.

If you have yet to come forward with any information that may assist with our investigations, please do so, either by calling 101 or reporting it through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) under Operation Linen.

Update 3.03pm 21 June

You can now report information about the death of 69-year-old John Connolly*, via a dedicated public portal.

If you have yet to come forward with any information that may assist with our investigations, please do so, either by calling 101 or reporting it through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) under Operation Linen.

Original release 8.10am 21 June

We have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 69-year-old man in Lincoln.

Officers attended Portland Street following a call at 11.39am on Tuesday (18 June) where they found John Connolly deceased.

His next of kin are aware and ask for privacy at this difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

The investigation is currently in its early stages, and officers are conducting a number of inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

A scene guard was put in place on Portland Street and Trollope Street on Tuesday and will remain while inquiries are ongoing.

We are appealing for witnesses and any other information that can help progress our investigation. People can call 101 quoting incident 160 of 18 June or report anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

*Spelling for John Connolly corrected.