Murder investigation launched and four in custody after delivery worker killed in Shrewsbury

The 23-year-old man was attacked on Berwick Avenue in Coton Hill at about 1.05pm on Monday.

Emergency services attended, but despite their best efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say it is believed the man was a delivery driver. Officers later confirmed that he was a passenger in a delivery van.

Four men aged 22, 24, 24 and 26 were arrested on suspicion of murder later on Monday and they remain in police custody.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Increased uniform patrols will be carried out in the area to offer reassurance to the local community."

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy said: “Earlier this afternoon a man was attacked in Berwick Avenue in Coton Hill and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has sadly lost his life.

“We understand this incident may be concerning for the local community and I would like to offer my reassurance we will carry out a full and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. Four people are in custody as our investigation continues.

“Residents will see an increased police presence in the area for the coming days as officers carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to anyone who may be concerned.

“We know a number of people were in the area at the time and may have information that could prove crucial to our enquiries, in particular we're keen to speak to anyone who lives in Berwick Avenue and has CCTV or doorbell footage, or any motorists in the area at the time with dashcam footage.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who saw a white Mercedes Benz registration OV60 VTP which was recovered on Kynaston Road or a grey Audi registration EY63 BCV in Berwick Avenue or the surrounding area.”

It was the second serious attack in Shrewsbury in a day after a man suffered life-threatening injuries when he was slashed with a broken bottle in the Shrewsbury Ark car park in Castle Foregate on Sunday evening. The two incidents are not connected.

From behind the line, two police cars, a DPD delivery van and another car on the road could be seen.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midland Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene after being called at 1.12pm.

"Upon arrival we found a man with life-threatening injuries," she said. "He received advanced life support and advanced trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene but sadly, nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.”

Speaking at the scene, one Coton Hill resident said: "We're not being allowed to go back to our homes."

Another said: "I have lived here 26 years. We've had four incidents in that time including an escaped prisoner, youths in a punch-up, the death of a lady and someone waving a knife.

He described it as a "lovely estate," but the police incident as "a sign of the times".

Anyone with any info is asked to phone police on 101 quoting log 192_I_21082023

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.