Incidents believed to be linked to Worcester murder

Detectives investigating a murder in Worcester believe it is linked to a dispute between the homeless community in the city.

Yesterday (Thursday 26 February) a murder investigation was launched after a body was discovered in a garage in Surman Street. The body was found as emergency services responded to a report of a fire at the garage at around 6am.

It's believed the death is linked to a number of other incidents in the city.

Enquiries have established that at around 2.30am on Thursday 26 February there was a dispute between a group of men in Pierpoint Street, in the city centre. One man was injured. He is currently receiving hospital treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening. CCTV has identified the men involved in the dispute as members of the homeless community.

Shortly after attending Surman Street on Thursday morning, at around 7.15am police responded to a report of a fire at the Unity Community Hub, in Hill Street. The fire is being treated as arson.

And, just after 8am a report of an attempted robbery in Spring Lane was received. A man, who was in his car, was threatened by another a man with a knife who made an attempt to steal his vehicle. He suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday morning. He remains in custody and is also being questioned on suspicion of the arson, robbery and assaulting a police officer.

Enquiries suggest the incidents are linked.

Local Commander for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Chief Superintendent Edd Williams, said: "We know these incidents have caused considerable concern to the local community and want to offer reassurance about the steps we are taking and what we know so far.

"Yesterday morning a murder investigation was launched with immediate enquiries carried out. Our enquiries are continuing however we believe these incidents are linked to a dispute between the homeless community in Worcester city centre.

"A man was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday morning. He remains in police custody and will be questioned on suspicion of arson, robbery and assaulting an officer.”

Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed the man found dead in the garage has been identified. A home office post mortem will take place later today.

Ch Supt Williams added: "We fully understand concerns around the motive of these incidents, whilst we are keeping an open mind, at this stage we do not believe these incidents to be race or religiously motivated or linked to any events taking place in Worcester over the weekend.

"Our safer neighbourhood officers will be on patrol across the city centre, and the locations of these incidents over the coming days to speak to the local community and offer reassurance. I would encourage anyone who is concerned to please speak to an officer on patrol or contact the safer neighbourhood team via our website."