Police In Shrewsbury Launch Murder Inquiry

Police have launched a murder inquiry following the death today of a man found critically injured on an old canal path in Shrewsbury.

The man was discovered with a serious head injury lying on the old canal footpath between Ditherington Road and Telford Way shortly before 1am.   Police were alerted by a 999 call from a member of the public.

He was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and later transferred to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke where he was pronounced dead at 8.35am. 

Police believe he is a 43-year-old local man.  He has yet to be formally identified.

A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is in custody at Shrewsbury police station.

The scene and the surrounding area has been cordoned off while officers carryout a detailed search and a forensic examination conducted.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, the senior investigating officer, said: "We are appealing for any information which might assist our investigation into what is now being treated as a murder inquiry.  It is important people contact us immediately as a matter of urgency.

"In particular, we want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Ditherington Road from late afternoon yesterday through to about 1am today who may have seen something untoward or indeed, any suspicious activity.

"I urge anyone who can help to contact Shrewsbury CID by calling 101, or alternatively, to contact the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."

A post mortem examination, to be conducted by a Home Office pathologist, is being arranged to determine the cause of death.

The Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery has been informed and an inquest will be opened in due course.

 Issued: Friday, 07 September 2012