Double killer Christopher Halliwell investigated for cold case murder after man found dead in pond

Double killer Christopher Halliwell is being investigated by cold case detectives over the unsolved murder of a vulnerable young man 24 years ago.

Darren Carley went missing in Swindon on January 24, 2002, and his remains were discovered six months later in a farm pond, 185 miles north, near Chorley, in Lancashire. Darren had a fractured skull, having suffered a number of vicious blows to the head with a blunt weapon.

The Daily Mirror can reveal that Halliwell was living half-a-mile from the 24-year-old when he vanished. And nine days later, the killer visited a hotel less than four miles from the spot where Darren's remains would later be found.

Former Swindon taxi driver Halliwell, 62, is now being investigated by detectives from Lancashire Police, a source said. Officers are understood to be in the early stages of interviewing witnesses. Halliwell has not been arrested or questioned.

He is currently serving a whole life term for murdering Becky Godden-Edwards, 20, in 2003 and Sian O'Callaghan, 22, in 2011, after abducting them in Swindon, Wilts. Halliwell has never previously been linked to the murder of a man.

Lancashire Police said in a statement: "Our investigation into Darren Carley’s death is ongoing. A dedicated team of detectives are conducting enquiries, and our thoughts are with Darren’s loved ones, who have the support of specially trained officers." The force declined to confirm if Halliwell was under investigation.

Darren, who had learning difficulties, was last seen at around midnight at his home in Lyndhurst Crescent. He had argued with his mother, Barbara, after his girlfriend ended their relationship. Darren left the house with no money, spare clothing or bank card.

Electoral roll records show that at the time, Halliwell was living with his then wife and their children a short walk away, in Ashbury Avenue.

Barbara, who died last year without getting justice for her son, said when he disappeared: "I love you, please come home." She added: "I just keep breaking down and crying every time I think about it."

Unemployed Darren, who previously worked in shops and warehouses, was 5ft 6ins and of slight build. The youngest of seven siblings, he was wearing white tracksuit bottoms with black stripes, an orange fleece and white trainers.

Police were called to farmland off Mill Lane in Charnock Richard on July 26, 2002, after a man's skeleton was discovered by a dog walker.

The naked body appeared to have been deliberately hidden and was partially submerged in a ditch leading to a pond, 200 meters from the M6 motorway. No clothing or personal items were found.

Darren's bones could have become visible as the level of the water fell during the summer months. The location is approximately three-and-a-half miles from a hotel where Halliwell was photographed on February 2, 2002, nine days after Darren was last seen alive.

Detectives said in October 2002 that the body had been in the pond since at least March and that the victim was probably murdered at another location.