Shrewsbury murder victim's family plead for witnesses to come forward

They are urging anyone who may have seen 43-year-old Ben in the hours before being found seriously injured a week ago, to contact the police.

Detectives are piecing together Ben's movement on the evening of Thursday, September 6 and have made repeated appeals for people to get in touch if they possibly saw him in the Ditherington Road area.

He was discovered unconscious with head injuries on the old canal footpath between Ditherington Road and Telford Way, Shrewsbury, just before 1am last Friday. Ben died in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke later that morning without regaining consciousness.

Two men aged 21 and 18 arrested on Friday night have since appeared in court charged with murder. They were remanded in custody while the police inquiry team continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to Ben's death.

His family, who yesterday spoke of their heartbreak over losing Ben, today pleaded with people to come forward if they know anything which might assist the investigation.

Ben's sister, Mrs Karen Higgins, on behalf of the whole family, said: "We appeal to people not to hold back if they saw Ben that night in Ditherington, or have any other information which might help the police.

"A number of people have already come forward in response to the police appeals and we are so grateful for their assistance. But there may well be others who saw Ben either before or after he was assaulted and we urge you to contact Shrewsbury police station by calling 101.

"The police are building up a picture of Ben's movements, piecing together exactly what happened, at what time and exact location and the circumstances. They need people's help to do this and as family members, we beg people to give information, however insignificant it may seem."

She said the entire family was devastated and struggling to come to terms with Ben's "senseless death". "The many kind comments and messages of condolence received, especially from people in the Ditherington area, have been a source of comfort.

"We just want everyone to help the police with their investigation as much as possible," Mrs Higgins added.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, the officer leading the inquiry, said: "Ben's family has been extremely supportive to the investigation. I hope people heed their appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information not already spoken to should get in touch with us as a matter of urgency."