'Help us to find Neil's killer'
Police today announced they are treating the death of "gentle giant" Neil Williams - robbed as he walked home along a Telford footpath - as a manslaughter investigation. Police today announced they are treating the death of "gentle giant" Neil Williams - robbed as he walked home along a Telford footpath - as a manslaughter investigation. Detective Inspector John Elcock, who is leading the inquiry, said he believed at least two people were responsible for Mr Williams' death in Stirchley on the night of April 5. And he warned they might even face a murder charge. Mr Elcock released CCTV pictures taken in the last few hours Mr Williams was seen alive. Anyone with information about Mr Williams' death is asked to contact Telford Police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Detective Inspector John Elcock, who is leading the inquiry, said he believed at least two people were responsible for Mr Williams' death in Stirchley on the night of April 5.
And he warned they might even face a murder charge.
"I'm determined to solve this and bring these people to justice," said Mr Elcock, who released CCTV pictures taken in the last few hours Mr Williams was seen alive.
"They can't be allowed to get away with it, and they won't, but I need the help of the Randlay and Stirchley community.
"We are sure Neil was walking home from the pub and was set upon by at least two people.
"I believe other people were in the immediate area when this happened and if they don't come forward now, the consequences for them could be serious."
Mr Elcock said he was convinced there were people in the community who knew the identity of the robbers, but were shielding them out of fear or misplaced loyalty.
"I can assure them we have put things in place to protect them, if that is necessary. I appeal to them; don't shield these people, come forward and tell police what you know.
"Neil was a decent, hard-working man and his family are devastated by his death. They deserve to know the truth."
Mr Williams, 41, a single man, of Calcott, Stirchley, was found dead on a footpath off Churncote on the morning of April 6. He had been at the Randlay Farmhouse pub the night before.
Anyone with information about Mr Williams' death is asked to contact Telford Police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
By Peter Johnson
