A MURDER in Worcester is believed to be linked to a dispute between the homeless community in the city.
Detectives launched a murder investigation on Thursday (February 26) after a body was discovered in a garage in Surman Street. The body was found as emergency services responded to a report of a fire at the garage at around 6am.
It’s believed the death is linked to a number of other incidents in the city.
Enquiries have established that at around 2.30am on Thursday (February 26) there was a dispute between a group of men in Pierpoint Street, in the city centre.
One man was injured. He is currently receiving hospital treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening. CCTV has identified the men involved in the dispute as members of the homeless community.
Shortly after attending Surman Street on Thursday morning, at around 7.15am police responded to a report of a fire at the Unity Community Hub, in Hill Street.
The fire is being treated as arson.
And, just after 8am a report of an attempted robbery in Spring Lane was received. A man, who was in his car, was threatened by another a man with a knife who made an attempt to steal his vehicle. He suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident.
A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday morning (February 26). He remains in custody and is also being questioned on suspicion of the arson, robbery and assaulting a police officer.
Enquiries suggest the incidents are linked.
Local Commander for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Chief Superintendent Edd Williams, said: “We know these incidents have caused considerable concern to the local community and want to offer reassurance about the steps we are taking and what we know so far.
“Yesterday morning a murder investigation was launched with immediate enquiries carried out. Our enquiries are continuing however we believe these incidents are linked to a dispute between the homeless community in Worcester city centre.
“A man was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday morning. He remains in police custody and will be questioned on suspicion of arson, robbery and assaulting an officer.”
Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed the man found dead in the garage has been identified. A home office post mortem was set to take place today (Friday).
