Foul play ruled out over death

Detectives investigating the death of a Telford man who was found collapsed outside his home have ruled out foul play.Wayne Smout, 47, died at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital on Friday - five days after he was discovered with serious head injuries outside his home in Attwood Terrace, Dawley.

Police have appealed for people to help trace the father-of-three's movements between leaving the Talbot Inn in Dawley's High Street and being discovered unconscious several hours later.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said: "We have carried out a thorough investigation into the sad death of Mr Smout and we are not treating his death as suspicious and are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with his death.

"However, should anyone have any information which could give officers a new line of inquiry they should contact police. The investigation is still ongoing."

Mr Smout's family were too upset to speak today, but bouquets of flowers were left at the gate to his home.

One read: "Grandad Wayne, I love you lots and will miss the lovely things you did with me, love Callum."

One from his children read: "Dad, We will see you again, All our love, Chris, Carl and Andy."

Another tribute said: "Your smile was bright and your eyes wicked."

Mr Smout was taken to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent before being transferred to the Princess Royal Hospital on Friday, where he died.

Mr Smout and his wife had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

His brother-in-law, Phil Biddulph, said Mr Smout had died at the PRH but said the family were too upset to speak.

Mystery at first surrounded how Mr Smout suffered such serious injuries and police hoped people would come forward to help.

Anyone with information about what happened to Mr Smout is asked to contact detectives at Telford on 08457 444888.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman