Telford police launch murder probe

A murder investigation was under way today after the body of a 31-year-old man was discovered at a flat in Shropshire.

The man, believed to be from the Czech Republic, was discovered at the property in Malinslee, Telford. Detectives were called to the scene in Farm Lodge Grove just after 6pm on Friday. It is understood the man, who was a welder, had suffered head injuries.

He was today named as Pavol Lazar who had just graduated from GKN Sankey's training centre in Telford.

Two Polish men, aged in their 20s and who were also living in Telford, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and were continuing to be quizzed by detectives at Malinsgate Police Station today.

Magistrates in Telford yesterday granted police extra time to question the men.

The man is understood to have lived at the flat where his body was found and also at another address in Brookside.

A spokesman at GKN Sankey in Hadley Castle today said: "We are shocked to hear the very sad news at the weekend. While Pavol had only been working for GKN for a couple of weeks, he had proved to be a very popular and hardworking member of staff."

Detective Inspector John Elcock, of Telford CID, today said: "Two men arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody.

"We were granted further time to question the men by Telford Magistrates yesterday morning."

Mr Elcock added: "Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to an incident which happened at Farm Lodge Grove in Malinslee.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from anybody who has any information in relation to an altercation which took place at the flat in the early hours of Friday evening.

"Although we are keeping an open mind this incident appears to be self-contained and at this stage we are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with it."

The block of flats remained sealed off over the weekend while forensics scoured the scene for clues.

Mr John Ellery, coroner for Telford and Wrekin, has been informed and an inquest is expected to be opened at a later stage.

Linda Hodson, who lives in nearby Waggoner's Fold, Malinslee, said: "I don't know who it is who has died, but I believe the flat was occupied by Eastern European people who were in their 30s."

Neighbour John Mitchell added: "The flats were still sealed off on Sunday morning and there were police in attendance all day Saturday."

By Kirsty Smallman and Andrew Morris