Arrested made after death of drag queen in Cardiff:
A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of a well-known drag performer in Cardiff.
Darren Moore was found dead on Windsor Place in Cardiff city centre at approximately 7.35pm last Sunday.
A spokesperson for South Wales police (SWP) confirmed a man remains in police custody and that Mr Moore’s family have been updated.
A SWP spokesperson said: “Darren Moore, 39, from Newport was found in a lane close to Windsor Place and Park Lane on Sunday evening (January 22).
“A post-mortem has been conducted and further examinations are now on-going to establish the cause of death.”
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes said: “Initial investigations have so far not revealed or confirmed any obvious cause of death, however extensive enquiries are continuing to establish the cause and circumstances of Mr Moore’s death.
“I would like to thank the community for the excellent support they have provided to this investigation so far, which has helped enormously, and I would appeal for anyone with information to please come forward.
“I would also again 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.”
SWP detectives are appealing for anyone who may have seen Darren in Cardiff city centre during the early hours of Sunday to 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.
SWP 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.
“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.”
In a tribute, Mr Moore’s family said: “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.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of Mr Moore, and may be found here.
Anyone with information is asked to please contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2300022718 by one of the following means:
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