Tuesday, 21 March 2023

Woman missing from Rodington Heath, Shropshire

29-year-old Marie Kettlewell was last seen at 4.15am on Monday 20 March at her home address in Shop Lane, Rodington Heath, in Shropshire.

It is thought that Marie left the property between 4.15am – 7.15am yesterday, Monday 20 March.

Marie is described as being 5ft 8in in height, of a slim build, with a shaven head with short dark hair that is  coming through.

Marie wearing a black woolly cap, a navy blue fleece with a navy blue anorak underneath, and grey leggings and red shoes.

If you see Marie please ring 999.


Saturday, 18 June 2022

Four arrested after incident in Wellington

Four men, aged between 20 and 45-years-old, were arrested following an incident in Wellington last night.

A police spokesman said: "At around 8.00pm yesterday evening (17 June), officers were called to the scene of a multiple vehicle collision involving two cars and a bus, on Holyhead Road, Wellington. It was reported that a man in his 20s had been stabbed but had left at the scene. 

"On attendance by police and West Midlands Ambulance Service, the man was transported to hospital by ambulance where he received treatment for his injuries.

Officers learned that the suspects fled from the scene of the collision, and we then received further reports of a disorder in Market Street, Wellington.

"On arrival, officers arrested three men, aged 20, 25 and 28-years-old, on suspicion of violent disorder. A 45-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the early hours of this morning (18 June).

All four men remain in police custody whilst enquiries are ongoing."

Detective Inspector Richard Davies said: "We'd like to reassure the communities of Wellington that we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no wider threat to the public. However, whilst our investigation is still ongoing, you will see an increased police presence on Market Street and the road will remain closed. We will update you when this is reopened.

"If anyone witnessed either the collision or the disorder, please get in contact with us via our website under the Tell us About page, or by dialling 101 quoting incident 586 i of 17 June."

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.

Statement from Supt Mo Lansdale to communities of Wellington

"Following two very serious but unrelated incidents in Wellington this weekend, I'd like to offer reassurance to the community that our investigating officers are dealing with the recent events with upmost severity and professionalism, to bring justice to those that have caused harm.

"I don't underestimate the impact that incidents such as these have on people and their loved ones, and I encourage anyone with any concerns to contact their local policing teams, whose contact details can be found on our website. 

"You may see more police officers around Wellington and Telford over the weekend, they are there as part of our commitment to you, to be visible and accessible when you need them the most. 

"I'd like to thank you for being understanding of the restrictions and road closures we have had to put in place, and for your continued support whilst our enquiries continue. We hope to remove all road closures as soon as possible and will update you when we can."


Man arrested after incident in Fowler Close, Wellington

A Wellington man was arrested on suspicion of murder following a tragic incident in Fowler Close, Wellington, Telford, this morning (Saturday 18 June).

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Shortly before 11am this morning our officers were called to reports of two men fighting in the back garden of a block of flats on Fowler Close.

"Officers rapidly made their way to the scene where they found a 52 year old man with what is thought to be a stab wound. They gave e the man medical assistance and began CPR until the Ambulance Service arrived. 

"Sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene a while later. His next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specially trained officers.

"A 64-year-old man was located nearby and has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He currently remains in police custody."

Detective Inspector Lee Holehouse, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation but we can reassure the public that our initial findings are that this is a contained matter involving two individuals that are known to each other.

“I am mindful that there was a separate, unrelated, incident in Wellington last night and that these two incidents happening within 24 hours may, understandably, cause concern. Thorough investigations will be carried out for both and you will see an increase presence from police across the town for your reassurance.

“We are carrying out house to house enquiries in the area but we are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or any activity leading up to it, that hasn’t yet spoken to us to get in touch.”

Information can be given to the investigation team by using the form on our website or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 243i of 18 June. If you want to give information without giving your name speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.


Saturday, 28 May 2022

Two men arrested following attempted robbery in Wellington, Shropshire

 

Police officers were called to a property in the town of Wellington, Shropshire, at approximately 6.30am this morning (Saturday 28 May) after they received reports of an attempted robbery at the property.

A short time later armed response officers arrested two men in a vehicle near to Shrewsbury's Heathgates Roundabout in connection with the incident.

A man, aged 32, was arrested on the suspicion of possessing a firearm. A second man, aged 33, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Both men remain in police custody as investigations continue.

A police spokesman said "Anyone who may have witnessed, or captured dash-cam or CCTV footage is asked to please get in touch by visiting https://www.westmercia.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or calling 101 quoting incident 146i of 28 May, 2022.

"Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111."

Saturday, 12 June 2021

Several people arrested in Telford after man dies following incident

 Six people have been arrested following a serious incident in Telford.

Police officers were called at around 7.20pm yesterday (Friday 11 June) to a footpath near Stonebridge Close, Aqueduct, Telford after they received calls reporting that a man in his 20s had been seriously injured. 

The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance but sadly died later the same evening.

His death is being treated as suspicious and six people have been taken into custody.

Four boys, one aged 14 and three aged 15 were arrested on suspicion of murder. A woman aged 42 and a man aged 41, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders. They all currently remain in custody.

Chief Inspector Helen Kinrade said: “We understand this will be extremely concerning to the community. We would like to reassure the public that the investigation is ongoing and this is believed to be an isolated incident.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact 101 quoting reference 615i of 11 June. If you have information you want to report anonymously you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website. 

Thursday, 10 June 2021

Police Detectives investigating report of rape in Wellington

 

Police Detectives investigating a report of a rape in Wellington are appealing for witnesses. 

The reported incident took place on Tuesday 8 June, between 11pm and 11.30pm in Lychgate Walk, a footpath that runs through All Saints church grounds between King Street and Church Street, in Wellington.

Enquiries are continuing into the incident and detectives are keen for any witnesses, who were in the area at the time to get in touch, including motorists that may have dash-cam footage.

Detective Sergeant Jon Taylor, said: “This is a popular footpath between King Street and Church Street, we know people may have helped the victim and we are appealing for them to contact us to assist us with our investigation. We are also interested to identify and speak with a man who was seen running away from the area.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area that may have seen something, including motorists in the area that could have recorded dash-cam footage during the evening of Tuesday 8 June between 11-11.30pm to contact us with any information.”

Please contact West Mercia Police online under the Tell Us About section www.westmercia.police.uk or 101 using incident number 00251_i_09062021.

If you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to the police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. 

It's 100% anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or I.P address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

George Evans, an obituary

When George Evans died it lost  one of its most staunch friends and one of its most able defenders.

However, George Evans' legacy will live on for many years to come. And not only in Wellington, for his influence reached beyond the boundaries of Wellington to other towns, villages and communities looked upon by the ever-watchful Wrekin Hill, so beloved by George.

George Evans successfully campaigned to have town and parish council launched within the boundaries of the then Wrekin District Council. Of course he wanted Wellington to have its own Town Council, but he was equally passionate that the other old and established and more recently created communities of the area should have their own parish and town councils.

In fact it is safe to say that without the sterling work of George Evans amongst others there would be no Wellington Town Council, no Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, no Madeley Town Council, no Dawley Hamlets Parish Council, no Oakengates Town Council, etc.

George Evans was also very keen on promoting the history of not only Wellington but of its neighbouring areas. He wrote extensively not only about Wellington but of Shropshire and its interesting towns and villages. 

He published a great many books, many on Wellington and further afield and his knowledge of geology, especially of the Wrekin, The Ercall and Maddocks Hill was second to none. 

Another crowning achievement of George Evans was the launch of the Wellington Civic Society. With George at the helm as founding chairman and subsequently as Life President, the Wellington Civic Society brought gentle but highly persuasive pressure on Wellington Town Council and Wrekin District Council latterly Telford and Wrekin Borough Council to make sure that Wellington had proper representation. He also addressed planning enquiries where his knowledge of town planning issues and law was put to good use, sometimes to the obvious consternation of officials who found in George Evans a polite but worthy opponent.  

I first met George Evans when I was 11 years old, 52 years ago when I took his induction test when I began my education at the Wellington Secondary Modern School for Boys in Orleton Lane.

George Evans also taught me geography and I always found him to be an engaging and exceptionally gifted geography teacher. George made the subject come alive and he shared his enthusiasm with the entire class.

I remember with great fondness his Explorer Club with lessons that covered camping and survival techniques, map reading and orienteering within Wellington. 

George Evans will be missed, but his influence will live on for decades to come.