A quiet corner of Kempsey has been shaken by the death of a 59-year-old man, following an alleged assault that took place in the early hours of Sunday, May 11, on Green Street.
The man, who sustained serious injuries during the incident, was taken to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he sadly passed away. Local residents have been left stunned by the news, as Green Street is typically known for its calm, residential character.
Police were called to the scene at approximately 1:15am after receiving a report of an assault. One local, who asked not to be named, said the incident occurred just outside his father’s home at a time when “nobody was about.” He added that a dog had been disturbed during the night, but little else is known for certain. “There’s lots of gossip but no hard facts,” he said.
West Mercia Police have confirmed that a suspect had already been charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) before the man’s death. That charge is now under review by both police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
The accused, Jack Taylor, 29, of no fixed address, remains on remand and is scheduled to appear in court on June 10.
Councillor David Harrison, one of Kempsey’s district councillors, said: “We were shocked to hear about it.” Fellow councillor John Michael also described the incident as “a very sad occurrence.”
The area where the incident occurred — near the bridge over the M5 — remains under close attention as the legal process continues.
West Mercia Police continue to appeal for information and ask anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the early hours of May 11 to come forward.
