A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the discovery of the body of well-known drag queen in Cardiff city centre on Sunday.
This morning, (January 25) police confirmed that the identity of the man who was found dead in Cardiff city centre on Sunday, January 22, was that of well-known drag queen Darren Moore.
This afternoon, a South Wales Police spokesperson said: “Police investigating the death of Darren Moore in Cardiff city centre have arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of manslaughter.
“He remains in police custody and Mr Moore’s family have been updated.”
Darren Moore, 39, from Newport was reported missing after disappearing on a night out with friends.
Police have confirmed they were called to a lane in the vicinity of Windsor Place and Park Lane at 7.36pm.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen Darren in Cardiff city centre during the early hours of Sunday to please come forward.
They are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Park Lane and Windsor Place between 3am and 7am.
Darren was last seen at around 5am dressed in drag and was wearing full face make-up, a luminous green dress, a blonde wig, diamante heels and a matching clutch bag.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes, from the South Wales Police Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Extensive enquiries are being carried out to establish the cause and circumstances of Mr Moore’s death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
“A Home Office post-mortem has been conducted and further examinations are currently on-going to establish cause of death.
“I would like to thank the community for the excellent support they have provided to this investigation so far this week, which has helped enormously and I would appeal for anyone with information to please come forward.
“I would also like to respectfully ask people to refrain from speculating on social media about what has occurred and please let the police investigation take its course.”
An incident room has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station and specially trained family liaison officers are supporting and updating his family.
Superintendent Michelle Conquer, Head of Operations at Cardiff and Vale BCU, said: “We understand there is shock and upset in the local and wider community following the death of Darren Moore who was a well-known drag artist in Cardiff.
“While an investigation is on-going, our Neighbourhood Policing Team as always will continue to provide a visible police presence in the city centre.
“A police cordon is in place while enquiries continue at the scene, and we thank the community for their support at this time.
“South Wales Police is proud to represent and protect all communities that it serves.
“Cardiff has a long and proud tradition of recognising, celebrating and protecting equality and diversity. Anyone who has concerns is asked to please contact South Wales Police in confidence.”
The family have paid tribute to Darren: “Darren Moore was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was always the life and soul where ever he went, he was Our social butterfly.
“He made sure he had a lot of time for people, and never judged others.
“Darren’s husband and family want to thank everyone for their support but now need time to grieve and respectfully request privacy at this time.”
The controversial character is extremely popular across the LGBTQ+ community and was a well-known drag artist starring in shows such as Rupaul’s drag show, however his past has been a sticking point for some as Moore is a convicted sex offender.
When Darren Moore, formerly Darren Sewell was 18 he was convicted of four counts of rape on a boy under the age of 16 and was sent to a young offenders institute for three years.
As a result of the conviction, he was banned from having any contact with children under the age of 16.
In 2011, Moore was convicted of breaching the order after it emerged he was working as a gymnastics and dance tutor.
He was sentenced to a three year sex offenders treatment programme, was made the subject of a 24 month community order and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work. He was also on an electronic curfew for six months.
Anybody who has information or saw Darren during those hours are being urged to contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2300022718 by one of the following means: Live Chat (9am-4pm, Mon-Fri) https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ Contact us via https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo Email [email protected] or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
