Double death murder hunt

A double murder hunt was under way today after the bodies of two men with “severe injuries” were discovered at a flat in a Shropshire village.

See also: Double murder - in pictures

The men, in their 20s and of Asian origin, were found at a flat above Mike’s Fish Bar in Drayton Road, Shawbury, shortly before 10am yesterday. Forty police officers have been drafted in to investigate the murders.

Detective Chief Inspector John Collier, of West Mercia Police, told a news conference this afternoon: “We are asking people to contact us if they saw or heard anything suspicious on Thursday night or yesterday morning at or near the scene, which might possibly be connected to the incident.

“We can assure the local community we are doing everything possible to trace the person or people responsible for this crime.

“The investigation team has been working over-night and are actively following up a number of promising lines of inquiry.

“We are keeping an open mind, but I would like to emphasise there is nothing at this stage to suggest this is a racist crime.”

Residents said the victims are believed to be brothers, who helped run the chip shop and the Indian Village takeaway next door. The men have not yet been formally identified. Shawbury resident Fred Habberley today laid flowers at the scene.

He said: “I have always known them as Jim and Dave and I have always got on with them.

“They will be sadly missed by me. That fish and chip shop will never be the same again, not for me anyway.”

Dr Eddie Tapp, Home Office pathologist, was carrying out post mortems today.

Flowers were laid outside an empty retail unit next to the chip shop, as forensic officers continued to scour the scene for clues.

One floral tribute read: “Such a sad loss. Our thoughts are with you. The Roberts family.”

The chip shop, the Indian takeaway and part of the lay-by outside remained sealed off by police.

Part of the lay-by outside food specialists TO Williams of Wem was also cordoned off, but the store, as well as neighbouring shops in the parade, Deb’n'Hair and Shawbury Post Office, remained open today. Police remained on guard at the scene throughout the night.

Chef Julie Smith, 33, who works in a nearby pub, said: “Everybody is very, very shocked.

“I have lived here for 32 years and nothing like this has happened before. It’s very quiet.

“They would normally come in later on at night. They were very polite but they kept themselves to themselves.”

By Abigail Bates and Crime Correspondent Kirsty Marston