Further arrests made in Shrewsbury murder inquiry

The murder inquiry was launched as a result of a man being found with a serious head injury lying on the old canal footpath between Ditherington Road and Telford Way shortly before 1am yesterday.

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 the deceased is a 43-year-old local man but he has yet to be formally identified.

The scene and the surrounding area were cordoned off while officers carried out a detailed search and a forensic examination was conducted.

Speaking about the latest developments, Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Neil Jamieson, who is leading the murder inquiry said:

"I can confirm that two men and a woman were arrested yesterday evening on suspicion of murder as part of our investigation.

"The two men are aged 21 and 18 while the woman is in her mid teens. All three remain in custody at the present time.

"The 40-year-old man we arrested yesterday morning was released on police bail last night pending further inquiries.

"Although four arrests have now been made as part of our investigation, we would still like to hear from anyone who may information which could assist us. It is important people contact us immediately as a matter of urgency.

"In particular, we still want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Ditherington Road from late afternoon on Thursday through to about 1am yesterday morning 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, conducted by a Home Office pathologist, is due to take place over the weekend.

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