Three men were arrested today on suspicion of murdering a 24-year-old man who died 18 months after he was attacked in Telford.

Ismaaeel Rehman suffered serious head injuries in the attack which happened in Dawley in July 2009.

He died on January 1 this year from post-traumatic epilepsy after suffering a seizure.

Detectives arrested the three men, all aged in their 20s, across the Telford area this morning.

Two women, one in her mid 20s and one in her late teens, were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Mr Rehman, from Dudley, was attacked in Powis Place, Heath Hill, between 11.30pm on July 16 and 3am on July 17 2009.

Police said Mr Rehman had made a “brave recovery” following the attack but a murder inquiry was launched following his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, of Telford police said: “Although our inquiries back in 2009 led to several men being arrested in connection with this assault, no charges were brought against any of the individuals arrested.

“However, when we were notified of Mr Rehman’s death it was vital that we established whether it was connected to the incident in Dawley.

“Detailed, lengthy medical analysis has indicated that the 2009 assault was a significant contributory factor to Mr Rehman’s death and as soon as this became clear our investigation was reinvigorated.”

Mr Jamieson said the three men and two women were in custody and due to be questioned this afternoon.

An inquest earlier this year revealed that Mr Rehman died from post-traumatic epilepsy which he had suffered since the attack in 2009.

Mr Rehman was on life support in intensive care for more than six weeks with severe head injuries after the attack.

He collapsed and died at a relative’s house in Willenhall after he suffered a seizure.

Mr Jamieson added: “Although the arrests this morning represent a significant step forward for the investigation, we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the incident that occurred on Powis Place back in July 2009.

“Anyone with information about the assault, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101.”