07/11/2007
'Happy Slappy' Teens Questioned Over Bonfire Death
Police investigating the death of a man near the scene of a bonfire party in Wirral are questioning three teenagers.
The body of 34-year-old Stephen Croft was discovered on a grassy area at the junction of Borough Road and Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead around 1am on Tuesday.
The exact cause of death is not yet known, but police said that Mr Croft had suffered burns and head injuries.
There has been speculation that Mr Croft may have been the victim of a 'happy slapping' attack, with reports that he was attacked by youths who were filming the incident on mobile phones.
However, Merseyside police have said that they are keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack.
On Wednesday, they confirmed that that the investigation was now a murder inquiry, but have not yet said how Mr Croft died.
Police are continuing to question three teenage males - aged 13, 17 and 19 - in connection with the incident.
They have also appealed for a witness, who spoke to a boy outside the Yummy Burger Bar on Oxton Road in Birkinhead, to come forward.
CCTV footage from the area where Mr Croft's body was found is also being examined.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.
(KMcA)
The body of 34-year-old Stephen Croft was discovered on a grassy area at the junction of Borough Road and Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead around 1am on Tuesday.
The exact cause of death is not yet known, but police said that Mr Croft had suffered burns and head injuries.
There has been speculation that Mr Croft may have been the victim of a 'happy slapping' attack, with reports that he was attacked by youths who were filming the incident on mobile phones.
However, Merseyside police have said that they are keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack.
On Wednesday, they confirmed that that the investigation was now a murder inquiry, but have not yet said how Mr Croft died.
Police are continuing to question three teenage males - aged 13, 17 and 19 - in connection with the incident.
They have also appealed for a witness, who spoke to a boy outside the Yummy Burger Bar on Oxton Road in Birkinhead, to come forward.
CCTV footage from the area where Mr Croft's body was found is also being examined.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
06 April 2005
BNP leader charged with racial hatred offences
Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party (BNP), has been charged with four racial hatred offences, police have confirmed.
BNP leader charged with racial hatred offences
Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party (BNP), has been charged with four racial hatred offences, police have confirmed.
17 December 2009
Charges Over Bryce Murder
Detectives investigating the murder of 27-year-old Nehemiah Bryce, who was fatally shot in Newtown last March, have charged a man with an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The 40-year-old from Kingshurst, Birmingham has been charged with concealing, disguising or storing stolen property. Police said, in this instance, the property was cars.
Charges Over Bryce Murder
Detectives investigating the murder of 27-year-old Nehemiah Bryce, who was fatally shot in Newtown last March, have charged a man with an offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The 40-year-old from Kingshurst, Birmingham has been charged with concealing, disguising or storing stolen property. Police said, in this instance, the property was cars.
10 September 2007
Barrymore Not Facing Charges
Entertainer Michael Barrymore will not face charges over the death of Stuart Lubbock, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Essex CPS said in a statement it had advised the police that no one should be charged over Mr Lubbock's death.
Barrymore Not Facing Charges
Entertainer Michael Barrymore will not face charges over the death of Stuart Lubbock, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Essex CPS said in a statement it had advised the police that no one should be charged over Mr Lubbock's death.