Mystery after dad, 47, dies

A 47-year-old man who was found critically injured outside his Telford home has died.

Wayne Smout, from Dawley, died at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital yesterday afternoon after being transferred from the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr Smout was discovered collapsed in Attwood Terrace, Dawley, at around dawn on Sunday.

He had suffered serious head injuries.

Detectives launched an investigation and appealed for help in tracing Mr Smout’s movements after he left the Talbot Inn in Dawley High Street at around 1.20am on Sunday.

A passer-by found him lying injured hours later.Mr Smout’s wife, Jackie, who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, was too upset to speak today. The couple have three children.

Mr Smout’s brother-in-law, Phil Biddulph, said: “Wayne passed away at the PRH last night but we are too upset to talk at the moment.”

Detective Inspector John Elcock, of Telford police, said today: “Police can confirm that Wayne Smout passed away at the PRH yesterday.

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues and anybody who feels they have information about Mr Smout’s whereabouts in the hours leading up to when he was found is asked to contact police.”

Mystery surrounds how Mr Smout suffered such serious injuries and police hope people will come forward to help.

Landlady of the Talbot, Annette Harris, who had been friends with Mr Smout and his wife for around 20 years, said at the time that she was mystified about how he came about his injuries.

She was also too upset to speak today.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Telford on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.