Police linking Worcester murder to other incidents in the city
A 34-year-old man is being held on suspicion of murder, arson, robbery and assaulting a police officer
Last updated 20 hours ago
Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Worcester have said the death is linked to a dispute between the homeless community in the city.
The body of a man was discovered in a garage in Surman Street yesterday (26 February) after emergency services responded to a report of a fire at around 6am.
West Mercia Police said they believe it is linked to a number of other incidents in the city yesterday (26 February).
At around 2.30am, there was a dispute between a group of men in Pierpoint Street. One man was injured and is currently receiving hospital treatment. CCTV has identified the men involved as members of the homeless community.
Shortly after, 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.
Just after 8am, officers received a report of an attempted robbery in Spring Lane. The driver of a car was threatened by another a man with a knife, who made an attempt to steal his vehicle. He suffered minor injuries.
A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday morning (26 February).
He remains in custody and is also being questioned on suspicion of the arson, robbery and assaulting a police officer.
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."
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 will take place later today.
Ch Supt Williams added: "We fully understand concerns around the motive of these incidents, at this stage we do not believe these incidents to be race or religiously motivated or linked to any events taking place in Worcester over the weekend.
"Our safer neighbourhood officers will be on patrol across the city centre, and the locations of these incidents over the coming days to speak to the local community and offer reassurance. I would encourage anyone who is concerned to please speak to an officer on patrol or contact the safer neighbourhood team via our website."