Shrewsbury murder: Tight-knit community shattered by stabbing

Residents of Meole Brace are today coming to terms with the murder of a 16-year-old who was stabbed on Monday night.

The boy, who has not been named, was found with a single stab wound when he collapsed on Wayford Close and later died of his injuries in hospital.

People living in the area say they have been shocked by the death in such a tight-knit community.

Residents, while happy to talk about their shock, were afraid to give their names while police continue to hunt for those responsible.

One resident, a pensioner and grandmother from Shomere Crescent, said: "The people here, they all have lived here a long time, some have families that live here, then their families live here too.

"When something like this happens, it seems your peace gets shattered.

"Fighting you can put up with, but a death really brings things home.

"To me it is just tragic. A 16-year-old boy lost his life and we don't know why. Me being a mother and having grandchildren, I just think it is a waste of life."

Floral tributes have been placed on Wayford Close where police and paramedics were called on Monday evening.

Police today continued to conduct house-to-house enquiries asking anyone who saw anything, or might have information, to come forward.

The grandmother added: "It is so sad, I feel so sorry for him and his parents.

"We are all friendly people here and we do all stick together. Although there are some people on the estate we don't approve of, we have to live and let live.

"Not many people are talking about it now, we know what has been in the papers, we know there was an altercation but we just don't know why. I suppose that is life.

"It doesn't matter what he has done, he doesn't deserve to die."

Officers have called for anyone with dashboard cameras or video footage taken on Monday to offer it to police.

Forensic investigation teams were on Stapleton Road while police units and patrol officers were yesterday seen in the village, with many residents pleased to see extra presence in the area, reassuring people.

A 59-year-old woman, of Moneybrook Way, said: "Everybody used to know everybody here, but there are so many new faces all the time you don't know who's who anymore. It is a bit scary, unless it happens on your front door you don't tend to think about it.

"It is a nice area usually, we don't get many unsavoury neighbours where we are – it is usually quite quiet. Sadly I think a lot of the problems are to do with drugs."

Police have continued today to appeal for information about the murder of the teenager, who is not believed to be local to the area.

Officers were called to Wayford Close at around 9.45pm on Monday, and the teenager was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital where he underwent surgery, but could not be saved. He died at 6.30am on Thursday. Three to four men, one wearing a green T-shirt, were seen running from the scene.

Following the incident, three people were arrested during a late-night police raid – but all three have since been released on bail.

The attack is believed to be targeted and an isolated incident. The coroner for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has been informed of the death.

Sergeant Becky Thomas, of Shrewsbury's safer neighbourhood team, was on hand with PCSOs outside the village Post Office and Digital Den. The mobile police station is expected to be there at least until Monday, when officers hope they can continue with a regular appearance.

Sergeant Thomas said: "We have seen lots of people today, well into double figures, I would say at least 20. It has been really good and the response has prompted us to think about a mobile police station more often in the area.

People have been willing to speak to police and lots have given us information."

The station will be in Maesbrook Road from 10am to 4pm today and tomorrow.

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting the incident reference 775s of August 1. The anonymous Crimestoppers line is available on 0800 555 111.