Danny Hathaway, who was in his 40s, was last seen on a travellers’ site in
Police divers were today searching the channel near to Saddlebow and the Tail Sluice, where detectives believe his body may have been dumped.
Few people apart from pike and zander anglers and the occasional dog walker visit the remote spot in the depths of winter.
A Northamptonshire police spokesman said: “On February 7 a new age traveller Danny Hathaway went missing and we launched a murder inquiry because this was out of character. Today’s search is part of that police investigation.
“A 56-year-old man has today been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with our investigation into the disappearance of Danny Hathaway.
“The man was arrested in Rothwell, Northants, and police have seized a lorry and a caravan.”
Police would not reveal what had led them to a stretch of the relief channel close to the Tail Sluice and the confluence with the tidal Ouse.
Today Det Chief Insp Katie Elliott, who is leading the investigation, said that the search was looking for anything that gives further information as to what happened to Danny and where he is now.
DCI Elliott is appealing for information from anyone who used the area around the flood channel and Tail Sluice at the sailing club during February.
"I particularly need to hear from walkers, dog walkers or anyone else who was in the area of the flood channel at the sailing club or nearby farmland on February 7 or 8 this year.
"I would like anyone who saw suspicious activity involving people or vehicles to get in touch with our incident room."
Northamptonshire Police incident room can be contacted on 08453 700700.
