A crossbow and a machete were found at the bedside of a Shropshire man who died after being set on fire at his home, a jury has heard.

George Black was set alight after a mixture of petrol and kerosene was thrown over him at his home at The Square, Bucknell, near Craven Arms, it was alleged at Worcester Crown Court.

The 41-year-old pawnbroker died 36 hours later in hospital as a result of injuries in the attack on December 8.

Robert Field, 22, of Etnam Street, Leominster, and Gareth Powell, 29, of The Grove, Shobdon, Leominster, deny his murder.

In evidence read in court yesterday, paramedic Malcolm Saunders said he saw the crossbow as he went to treat Mr Black, who was lying on his bed.

His statement said: “I noticed a full-size, loaded crossbow on the floor. It was cocked. I made sure the bolt was facing the wall.”

Constable Paul Seeley said the bow “was being stepped over by crews. I moved it under the window facing the wall”.

He added: “There was a machete on the chest of drawers. I left that one where it was.”

Another paramedic, Martin Davis, said Mr Black told him his attackers had taken his wife. The court heard earlier that Mr Black’s partner, Sylvia Marie Smith, who also suffered burns, had been having an affair with Field and believed she was carrying his child.

Smith, 22, of Cherrybrook Close, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, denies conspiracy to murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Her mother Sylvia Jane Smith, 42, and her stepfather Steven Smith, 45, also of Cherrybrook Close, deny attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The trial continues.