DETECTIVES have made an arrest in the hunt for the suspected murderer of a former Rossendale driving instructor.

An appeal was issued for Kevin Cooper following the discovery of the body of David Alderson, 72, at a mine works in Cornwall on January 18.

Mr Alderson was last seen in the company of Mr Cooper in a red Ford Fiesta in Falmouth shortly before his death.

Devon and Cornwall Police has confirmed that a 33-year-old was arrested in Newbury, Berkshire, in connection with the investigation, by their colleagues from the Thames Valley force.

He is being held at Camborne police station for questioning and had not been charged last night.

Initially he was thought to have suffered a fall while out cycling, as he was dressed in related gear. But further tests established he had been murdered.

Mr Alderson, originally from Rawtenstall, moved to Cornwall around 30 years ago.