THE SHREWSBURY MURDERS (The Mike Ambrose Novels Book 2)

Product Information

Our investigation is underway with officers carrying out a number of enquiries to establish the circumstances that led to Aurman’s murder. Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy from West Mercia Police said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Aurman at this difficult time. A man was injured in Barker Street on Sunday, August 13. Six days later there was a disturbance between a group of people known to each other outside Albert's Shed, also in Barker Street. Two were taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries, and enquiries are ongoing. On Monday afternoon, Mr Singh's DPD van could be seen from behind the cordon set up by West Mercia Police following the incident and by Tuesday morning there was a forensic tent, a police van and a police car at the scene. We believe those involved are known to each other and are not local to Shrewsbury or the wider West Mercia Police area.

One man who wrote at length about it in his book Reprieve (The study of a system) was the respected barrister, author and newspaper columnist, the late Fenton Bresler. Ligus was judged mentally unfit to take part in his trial and the jury had to decide whether he was responsible for the unlawful killings rather than be judged guilty or not guilty. The jury decided he was responsible for the deaths of Mr Bradley and Mr Coles. However, he was convicted and sentenced to hang. Changes to the different categories of murder enshrined in the 1957 Homicide Act meant that because of the element of "murder committed in the course or furtherance of theft" capital punishment was inevitable. He had also admitted that his motive for breaking into the house was to obtain money. It later transpired nothing had been taken and Mrs Smith's purse containing less than four shillings (20p) was found untouched in her bedside drawer.We would like to thank the police for conducting their investigation diligently and supporting us through this tough time".

The case of George Riley was controversial and views on the rights and wrongs of his death were mixed. On Sunday, August 20 a 25-year-old man suffered what West Midlands Ambulance Service described as "life-threatening" injuries after he was slashed with a broken bottle in the Shrewsbury Ark car park in Castle Foregate. Four people were arrested, who have since been released on police bail or released with no further action. The victim was discharged from hospital the following day. By the time they called it a night, George Riley had drunk around nine whiskies on top of the beer. He later said he had never been so drunk in his life. Investigators found no sign of “forcible entry” but the first officers at the scene suspected foul play because of the injuries to Mr Coles and signs of disruption.

Sign me up to the mailing list

Otherwise it was business as usual for residents who walked by on their way to work, or taking children to school. Many did not want to speak, one woman saying: "I'm sure there's much speculation already." Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Aurman at this difficult time. Yes, it is their job, but they have shown myself and fellow neighbours kindness and support," they said.