Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury man, 65, arrested on suspicion of pensioner's murder at roadside cafe

A 65-year-old Shrewsbury man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a pensioner was found dead at a roadside cafe near the town.

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Police outside the cafe on the A458

The 67-year-old victim, who police believe had been assaulted, was discovered at Tony’s Diner in Halfway House at around 4.40pm on Monday.

Paramedics had gone to the cafe in response to a 999 call, and reported the incident to the police.

When they arrived they found the man, who is said to have been from Halfway House, with what have been described as “serious injuries to his head and torso”.

Police confirmed they have arrested a 65-year-old man from Shrewsbury on suspicion of murder and said they are looking to speak to anyone who was in the diner on the afternoon or evening of Sunday, June 25.

They have also asked for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area on Sunday and Monday to get in touch.

The diner, which is part of a building that is attached to a shop and post office, had been closed at the time the victim was found.

Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy said police are trying to find out more about where the man had been, and are also looking for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious.

He said: "At this time we are not sure what has happened and are trying to determine the man's movements over the last few days.

A forensics tent at the scene

"We are keen to speak to anyone that could have any information about the incident, or anyone who was in the area yesterday and saw anyone acting suspiciously."

Catherine Ainsworth of West Mercia Police said: "A murder investigation has been launched after a 67-year-old man from Shrewsbury was assaulted and died on Monday.

"At around 4.40pm, paramedics attended a property at Halfway House, Shrewsbury, where they found the man deceased with serious injuries to his head and torso. They reported the incident to police who are treating the death as suspicious."

The cafe is understood to be owned by a family who live a few hundred metres away in Halfway House. It is normally closed on a Monday.

The area had been sealed off with police tape overnight and forensic officers were working at the cafe throughout Tuesday.

More than eight police vehicles were at the scene with officers guarding the building on all sides – including from the bordering property.

One Halfway House resident said she was shocked to hear what had happened, and had visited the cafe regularly with her children.

The woman said that the area was very quiet and that people had been horrified to hear that police were investigating a murder.

West Mercia Police said the man's family had been informed and that a post mortem is due to take place.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 and quote incident 598s of June 26.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org

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