Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a young delivery driver who was “just doing his job” was killed in a “quiet and peaceful” neighbourhood in Shropshire.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the 23-year-old victim was “ambushed by a gang” in Berwick Avenue, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury, at around 1.05pm on Monday (August 21).

Officers and paramedics attended, but despite their best efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The four men aged 24, 22, 26 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody being quizzed by detectives.

West Mercia Police is appealing for any information about a white Mercedes which was found two miles away on Kynaston Road or a grey Audi found in Berwick Avenue – while local residents have been left terrified after the tragic incident.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, told MailOnline: “It’s a terrifying thing to happen around here.

“The poor lad was attacked while just doing his job, nobody deserves that. I was shaking all day yesterday, you just can’t believe it.”

Another resident, who lives around 100 yards from the crime scene, said he thought it was an “opportunistic attack”, adding: “I think it may be a targeted attack rather than a random robbery but we don’t know the full details of what happened.”

He insisted that the neighbourhood “is a quiet and peaceful area” and normally the only passing traffic is a delivery van.

The force said increased patrols by uniformed officers will be carried out in the neighbourhood to offer reassurance to the local community.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy said: “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.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

He confirmed four people are now in custody with the investigation continuing.

DCI Bellamy added: “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.”

He added that detectives are also keen to hear from anyone who saw the white Mercedes Benz registration OV60 VTP recovered in Kynaston Road or the grey Audi with the plates EY63 BCV in Berwick Avenue.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting log 192_I_21082023.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk

Source: Read Full Article