Murder inquiry over body in Shrewsbury flat

A murder investigation got under way today after the body of a 30-year-old man was discovered in Shrewsbury.

The body was found at a ground floor flat in Lancaster Road, Harlescott, just before 1.45pm yesterday.

The victim has been named locally as Wesley Morris, who was unemployed and lived alone at the flat.

A 39-year-old man was being quizzed by detectives at Shrewsbury Police Station this afternoon.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder at another property in the town just over an hour after the body was found.

Neighbours of the victim said they believed the man's body had been discovered by his mother.

Detective Superintendent Paul Williamson, leading the murder probe, said more than 40 officers and staff were working on the case.

Mr Williamson said: "The investigation is still very much in its early stages but I can confirm that a man has been arrested.

"I am appealing for any information from the public which might assist us.

Shocked

"In particular, we need to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the vicinity of the flat at 13 Lancaster Road.

"The time in question is from around late afternoon on Monday, through the evening up to the time the body was found."

Neighbours said an argument broke out at the property at 8am yesterday — but no alarms were raised as they often heard shouting and arguing from the flat.

Neighbour Jemma Griffiths, said: "I'm absolutely shocked. I knew the guy that lived there.

"He has been there for about three years."

Another neighbour, David Griffiths, said: "I was asleep when an argument took place earlier in the morning but one of the neighbours went round to see what was going on later on.

"There had been some sort of drunken argument and the man in the flat had been beaten up."

Mandy Dickens, who lives next door to the victim's flat, said: "There are often lots of people round drinking at the house."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, added: "I came back from work at around 3pm and there were police cars everywhere. It was a shock."

Forensic teams set up a tent outside the flat while officers carried out door-to-door inquiries.

About five officers stood guard while forensic teams were seen bringing bagged items out of the property.

Witnesses should call Shrewsbury Police on 0300 333 3000.

By Sam Pinnington