Two further arrests made in connection to murder of Ian Watkins

West Yorkshire Police have arrested two further people in connection with the murder of Lostprophets singer and convicted paedophile Ian Watkins.

Last week, they initially charged 25-year-old Rashid Gedel and 43-year-old Samuel Dodsworth with murder over the death of Watkins, who was killed in Wakefield Prison on October 11th.

Now, in a new update on October 21st, West Yorkshire Police said that “two men aged 23 and 39 have been arrested from HMP Wakefield on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.”

The statement continued: “They are both in police custody and will be interviewed over the course of today, they will then be bailed and returned to prison while enquiries continue.”

Additionally, in the press release, West Yorkshire Police said that Gedel and Dodsworth are currently on remand awaiting trial after being charged with murder.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said in a statement of regarding the case: “Extensive enquiries remain ongoing in relation to the murder of Ian Watkins and these arrests form part of that.”

Entwistle continued: “Ian Watkins’ family are being updated as the investigation progresses. However, we do not anticipate any immediate developments at this stage.”

Watkins was serving a 35-year sentence after pleading guilty to 13 child sex offences in 2013.

During the trial, he admitted to the rape and sexual assault of a child who was under the age of 13. He also admitted to the conspiracy to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven involving taking, making or possessing obscene images of children, and one of possessing an extreme image involving a sex act on an animal.

The former Lostprophets vocalist was previously attacked in Wakefield Prison in 2023 after three other inmates held him captive in a cell for six hours. He was stabbed on multiple occasions and given beatings before guards eventually freed him.

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