SEE PAGE 8
TV star’s daughter is ‘murdered’ at festival
A MAN was yesterday arrested on suspicion of murdering the daughter of former Coronation Street star John Michie at a popular music festival.
Louella Michie’s body was found in woodland at the edge of the Bestival site on the Lulworth Estate in Dorset in the early hours of yesterday.
She was the youngest daughter of Mr Michie, 66, best known for his roles as DI Robbie Ross in detective series Taggart and as Rovers Return landlord Karl Munro between 2011 and 2013 in Coronation Street. He is currently playing neurosurgeon Guy Self in BBC medical drama Holby City. Friends are said to have raised the alarm after 25-year-old Louella vanished during the festival. John and his wife Carol reportedly rushed to Lulworth amid fears for her safety.
In a statement, his agent said: “Sadly, I can confirm the tragic death of John Michie’s daughter, Louella, at Bestival. John and his wife Carol ask that the privacy of their family be respected at this traumatic time.”
Just days ago, the actor posted a picture on Instagram of his daughter preparing for the festival. She was making alterations to an outfit and he captioned it: “Sewing for Bestival”.
Louella was an expert dancer, part-time model and actress, according to an online professional profile.
Police confirmed a man from London had been arrested on suspicion of murder to “enable officers to conduct an interview under caution to help establish the full circumstances”.
The area was yesterday cordoned off as forensic officers swept for clues.
Louella, who attended Tiffany Theatre College in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, was not believed to have suffered any obvious physical injuries.
Police are to order a post-mortem examination.
Chief Inspector Chris Weeks of Dorset Police described the death as “devastating” and appealed for witnesses to help them piece together the circumstances.
He said: “Just before 1am this morning police were alerted to reports of a missing woman.
“A search took place and shortly after, sadly, the body of a woman was located in a wooded area just off the festival footprint.
“The family has been informed and the death at this stage is being treated as unexplained.
Devastating
“A 28-year-old man from London is helping us with our enquiries and will continue to assist us with our enquiries.
“It is devastating for all those involved particularly the family and friends of the deceased.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire added that specialist officers were supporting the family.
Thousands attended Bestival, which ran from Thursday to Sunday on the wooded estate and was headlined by acts including Pet Shop Boys and The XX. Tickets for the weekend cost £195.
It is the first year it has been held in Dorset. It had been held on the Isle of Wight since 2004.
Security had been stepped up this year, with armed police patrolling the site and extensive bag searches.
In a statement, organisers said: “Following today’s news announcement, the team at Bestival are devastated to hear about this tragic news.
“We continue to support the police in their ongoing investigation and our thoughts and prayers are with all the woman’s family and friends.”
One reveller said she was “speechless” while another man, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s truly awful. It’s been such a wonderful festival and you would never expect something like this to happen.”