Telford police in probe after disabled man found dead

A MURDER INVESTIGATION was under way today after a disabled man was found dead at a Shropshire bungalow in the early hours.

The body of the man, in his late 50s, was discovered at the property in Halifax Drive, in Leegomery, Telford, shortly after 4.15am. He was named locally as Lionel Astbury, who lived alone at the property..

He was one of the original members of Riding For The Disabled in Shropshire.

A man in his early 50s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and was being quizzed by detectives at Malinsgate Police Station today.

Neighbours said the man lived on his own and was registered disabled.

Detective Inspector Nick Haggitt said: "I would expect the scene to be cordoned off for most of today at the very least while detectives and forensic officers go about their investigative work.

"We are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and community support officers will also be on hand to provide reassurance to the community. The investigation is at an early stage and at this time we do not how this man died."

He added: "Anyone with information that could relate to this death or activity at the address is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000."

People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Neighbours said they saw the man having a disagreement with a taxi driver at about 11.30pm. One said: "He was standing in the middle of the road shouting at the taxi driver 'just run me over then'. The passenger from the same taxi took him to his house."

The taxi driver is then thought to have left.

By Kirsty Smallman and Alex James