Investigation launched after man is found dead on Shropshire road

The man who died from head injuries was found lying in the road on A458 near to the Riverside Inn in Cound, near Shrewsbury, in the early hours of today.

Police were called to the scene at Venus Bank after being alerted at shortly before 4.20am by a woman who reported that she had driven past someone lying in the road.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a man with significant injuries lying in the road.

“Sadly it quickly became apparent to crews that nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

PC Mike Pearce said: "We are keeping an open mind but the indications at this time would suggest this man may have been in collision with a vehicle which did not stop at the scene. This has happened on an unlit country road around half a mile from Cross Houses and we are considering the possibility that the driver did not realise what had happened. If you think you might have been involved then please call us without delay.

"We particularly want to trace the occupants of a white van which drove past the scene at around 4.20am when we were first alerted. It is believed the people in that vehicle were wearing fluorescent yellow jackets.

"However we urgently need to speak to anyone who was using that road late last night or before 4.20am today. We would also like to hear from anyone who may know people who were or could have been driving on the A458 there between the relevant times."

The A458 has been closed and a police investigation is under way. The death is currently being treated as unexplained.

Anyone with information should call PC Pearce or Police Sergeant Jeff Morris at Shrewsbury Police Station on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 99-S-261111.

The Mid and North Shropshire Coroner, Mr John Ellery, has been informed and police are in the process of tracing next of kin.