Three arrested on suspicion of murder in Telford
Police officers who are re-investigating a serious assault that occurred more than two years ago have this morning arrested three men on suspicion of murder as part of their investigation.
The serious assault occurred on Powis Place in Dawley sometime between 11.30pm on Thursday 16 July and 3am on Friday 17 July 2009, and as a result of this incident a 22-year-old man - Ismaaeel Rehman from Dudley - suffered serious head injuries.
Sadly, although he made a brave recovery following the incident, on Saturday 1 January 2011 Mr Rehman died suddenly in the West Midlands. Detailed pathological tests have linked Mr Rehman's death back to underlying health problems caused by the 2009 assault.
West Mercia immediately re-opened the investigation into the original assault and it is now being classed as a murder investigation.
Speaking about this investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson said:
"Although our enquiries back in 2009 led to several men being arrested in connection with this assault, no charges were brought against any of the individuals arrested.
"However, when we were notified of Mr Rehman's death it was vital that we established whether it was connected to the incident in Dawley.
"Detailed, lengthy medical analysis has indicated that the 2009 assault was a significant contributory factor to Mr Rehman's death and as soon as this became clear our investigation was reinvigorated.
"After several months of work we have this morning arrested three men in their 20s on suspicion of murder at a number of addresses across Telford. In addition two women - one in her mid 20s and the other in her late teens - have also been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. All five individuals are currently in custody and will be questioned by officers later in the day.
"Although the arrests this morning represent a significant step forward for the investigation, we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the incident that occurred on Powis Place back in July 2009.
"Anyone with information about the assault, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is asked to contact West Mercia Police.
"To help possible witnesses recall the timing of the original assault, it is worth stating that the incident occurred less than a month after the death of pop star Michael Jackson and at the time there was still an enormous amount of media coverage of his death.
"Anyone who believes they do have information about the serious assault in Dawley is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101 - the force's new non emergency telephone number - or call 0300 333 3000.
"Alternatively, please remember that information can also be left anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you'd rather not get directly involved yourself."
