Three still quizzed on murder at flat

Detectives investigating the death of a businessman from the Stourbridge area today revealed he had died from head injuries as they continue to question three people on suspicion of murder.

The victim, named locally as father-of-three Richard Sherratt, aged 57, was found in a flat in Bridgnorth.

A man in his 50s from Tipton, a man in his 30s from Perry Barr and a woman in her 20s from Aston, Birmingham, were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murder.

They were continuing to be quizzed at police stations in Shropshire today after police were granted extra time. Officers will be able to question them until midnight.

Neighbours in Bridgnorth have described Mr Sherratt as a "friendly" character who had only been living in the first-floor flat where his body was found for a couple of months.

Mr Sherratt, a property developer, leaves three children.

Officers have spent several days carrying out forensic examinations at the murder scene in Old School Mews, off High Street, since the body was found on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Tonks who is leading the murder investigation for West Mercia Police, said a post mortem had been held. "Results indicate that he died from head injuries," he said.

"A man in his 50s from Tipton, a man in his 30s from Perry Barr, Birmingham and a woman in her 20s from Aston, Birmingham, remain in police custody in connection with the 57-year- old's death, and detectives have been given an extra 36 by hours by magistrates to question them.

"A 30-year-old Telford woman who was arrested in connection with the inquiry on Thursday was released without charge."

DCI?Tonks appealed for anyone with information about the death to get in touch with police.

By Heather Large