A murder inquiry was launched today following the death of a 52-year-old man who was stabbed at a flat in Shrewsbury.

The man, named locally as Paul Rugg, was stabbed during an incident at a flat in Kynaston Road, in Harlescott, Shrewsbury, yesterday at about 6.15pm. He was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital with “a number of serious wounds” but was confirmed dead shortly after arriving.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and were today being held at police stations in Shrewsbury and Telford.

About 50 officers are involved in the investigation, which is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Lee Davenport, of the Major Incident Unit, and Detective Inspector Ernie Locke, based at Shrewsbury.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Matthews today said: “At 6.20pm last night, police received a call from the ambulance service concerning a 52-year-old man with stab wounds at a flat in Kynaston Road, Shrewsbury.

“A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. Three other men – two aged 25 and the other 40 – were arrested in the Harlescott area within a few hours. All four are being held on suspicion of murder.”

A cordon had today been set up around the block of flats and officers continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. Mr Matthews appealed for witnesses to contact police on 0300 3333000.

He said: “We particularly want to hear from anyone who heard a disturbance at the flat in Kynaston Road between about 5.45pm and 6.30pm last night, or if they know of any arguments or disturbances at the premises or in the street around Kynaston Road and Lancaster Road involving a number of men during the past week or so.”

The man’s family have been informed. A post mortem was due to be carried out today to establish the cause of death.

By John Kirk and Russell Roberts