Telford police call off murder inquiry

A murder probe launched after a disabled man was found dead at his home in Shropshire has been closed after tests revealed the death was not suspicious.

Police today said a man in his 50s who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Lionel Astbury had been released without charge.

The 58-year-old's body was found at Halifax Drive, in Leegomery, Telford, at 4.15am yesterday.

Police today said a post mortem had been carried out and the results revealed his death was not suspicious. It is understood Mr Astbury died of a heart condition.

Chris Ammonds, for Telford police said: "The man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without charge. The results from the post mortem suggest his death was not suspicious."

But the police inquiry into the death is continuing.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Astbury, who used an electric wheelchair after he was born without legs and with only one arm.

Andy Doodson, landlord of the Malt Shovel pub in Leegomery where Mr Astbury was a popular and well-liked customer, said: "Lionel was very unassuming, very quiet — a very nice chap."

Mr Astbury's friend, Mark Trappe, 48, from Leegomery added: "Lionel was a lovely guy. He was a very popular man and people loved him."

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