Castle Park murder investigation focuses on church ruins incident

A man was found with fatal stab wounds after an argument involving two groups of men in the ruins of St Peter’s Church in Castle Park, say police detectives following the launch of a murder investigation.

The stabbing victim, aged in his 30s, was found by a member of the public in nearby Fairfax Street yesterday (January 31) at 4.26pm. He was then taken to hospital where he sadly died.

At lunchtime today, police launched a murder investigation and gave more information about what they believed had happened. Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman told reporters that the man was found almost immediately after an altercation between a group of Black men in the church ruins shortly before 4.25pm.

He said he thought one of the men involved left the scene on a bicycle as the victim made his way to Fairfax Street. He said: “As part of our investigation, we’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon who saw two groups of men, all of whom were black, involved in what might have appeared to be a disagreement.

“If you saw anything, or have any mobile phone footage or images which might help, please get in touch. A cordon remains in place around the park while specialist officers forensically examine it, and a detailed search is carried out.

“A review of CCTV is also underway while members of the public can expect to see officers canvassing the area, including local businesses, to identify any witnesses. We believe this incident to be an isolated one but should anyone have any specific concerns then I’d encourage them to talk to an officer.”

The police had still not yet been able to identify the man’s next of kin. Ch Insp Cheeseman said this was being done as a ‘matter of urgency’ while a post-mortem examination took place to establish exactly how he died.

As the afternoon went on, officers could be seen carrying out searches of the park, which remained closed, leading to the revision of a route for the teachers’ rally.

Anyone who can help the police inquiry is asked to phone 101 and quote reference 5223024599.