Police find ‘most wanted’ man in attic - then let him go
West Midlands Police were quick to celebrate tracking down ‘one of the Black Country’s most wanted’ after a nine-month manhunt – hiding in his sister’s attic.
But just hours after they had snapped the handcuffs on, the police had released the suspected robber, trusting that he won’t vanish off their radar a second time.
To add to the bizarre circumstances this ‘most wanted’ suspect is not even being named – because he’s been released pending an investigation, say police.
The 36-year-old suspect has been wanted by the police following a robbery at Costcutter in Wynall Lane, Wollescote, in February.
The man, of Wollescote, Stourbridge, was finally found on Monday night by officers.
It comes after police searched his sister’s property despite claims that he was not there.
They were about to leave before they noticed a loft hatch had been covered up and decided to check it out.
On initial inspection the loft appeared empty, until a torch shone a light on footprints in the insulation and officers followed the trail to the edge of the loft and found him hiding underneath swathes of insulation.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “The message is clear, if you commit a crime and officers have a reason to suspect you are involved then you will be apprehended.”
After the man was released pending further investigation, a force spokesman added: “Whenever someone is arrested and there is not enough evidence to charge them at that stage, they will be released pending investigation.
“This was not a case where the suspect failed to answer bail. He was simply wanted on suspicion of the offence.”
No action is being taken against the sister, say the force.
To view other people wanted by West Midlands Police visit flickr.com/photos/westmidlandspolice
If anyone has information please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am to midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
