Murder probe launched and two arrested after assault in Telford

Police were called to Holyhead Road in Ketley at about 12.58am today.

A man in his 20s, who has not yet been formally identified, was pronounced dead near to a restaurant.

Two men aged 21 and 30, both from Telford, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

See footage from the scene this morning:

Police believe the victim may have been assaulted near to the park and children’s play area in the area of Millennium Village, off Ketley Park Road.

Detectives believe he then left the scene and was later discovered nearby on Holyhead Road.

Cordons have been set up and the crossroads of Station Road/Holyhead Road and Waterloo Road/Rock Road are currently closed.

Forensic investigators could also be seen gathering evidence outside the Blue Elephant restaurant this morning.

One Ketley resident described being woken up by the lights of the police cars late at night. Keith Johnson said: "I cant believe it. I heard a bit of noise earlier on but nothing that sounded out of the ordinary. Nothing that would make me phone the police. I went to bed but woke up later because of the lights.

"I'm sorry to hear that. It's very sad for his family. That is no age at all."

Thomas Martin, who lives in Waterloo Road, was also shocked to learn of what happened. "I came out to walk the dog this morning and saw all the police here. It's shocking really.

"It's sad to see. It's not the best area here, it has to be said. It's hard to comprehend when something like this happens. The police need more help to stop this kind of thing. There was the incident in Dawley the other week, and now this."

Becky Clark, who lives in the Millenium Village estate which backs onto the park, said: "I've lived here a while now and I used to take my kids to that park all the time. I don't so much now. Not unless it's in the daytime and it's really sunny. It just doesn't feel that safe.

"I didn't hear anything but I would have been in bed asleep. It's really sad. What a waste. I just feel for the family."

Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

Chief Detective Inspector Dean Jones said: “We were called to the scene of the man having sadly died outside a restaurant on Holyhead Road this morning. His next of kin has been informed.

“A murder investigation has been launched and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the assault that we believe took place in the park and children’s play area near to Millennium Square, just off the Ketley Park Road.

"We’d also like to hear from anyone who has dash-cam fitted to their car and was driving in the area of the park (Ketley Park Road) and Holyhead Road. It is possible they may have captured footage which may help with our enquiries.

“We believe this to be an isolated incident, understandably our community will be distressed and we would invite anyone to speak with members of our safer neighbourhood and local policing patrols who will have an increased presence within the area over the coming days.”

The two men who have been arrested are currently in police custody.

Anyone with information can contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 44i of July 3 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.