Three arrested after man dies due to 'savage' beating at Tipton park
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was violently attacked in a Black Country park.
Anthony Bird, aged 50, was assaulted in Victoria Park, Tipton back in July – a witness described seeing two men punching and kicking him as he lay on the floor.
He suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital but his condition deteriorated and he died last week – 17 days after the savage beating.
Mr Bird – also known locally as “Goughy” – had showed up at a relative’s address with serious facial injuries shortly after the attack on July 26, and was then taken to hospital.
He had suffered serious facial injuries, a fractured eye socket and a broken neck – and was pronounced dead on August 12.
West Midlands Police have previously arrested two men aged 36 and 37, plus a 33-year-old woman, in connection with the assault and yesterday they were re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
They remain in police custody.
Detective Inspector Adam Jobson said: “We believe Anthony was attacked just before 11am near the war memorial.
"It was a savage attack and we understand both men repeatedly kicked him in the head while he lay on the floor.
“He suffered very serious head and facial injuries, including a bleed on the brain, and clearly we believe his later death was linked to this assault.
“We’ve already spoken to a few people who witnessed the incident but I believe there were probably many more people in the park, including several playing football, who may have seen the attack or the offenders leaving the scene.”
Anyone with information is urged to message WMP on Live Chat via the website or call 101. Quote crime reference 20SW/175963J/20.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
