Skewer death was an accident
The death of a Black Country pensioner who was found in a cupboard with a barbeque skewer in his chest was an accident, police said today.
It comes the day before the two-year anniversary of Walsall grandfather Leslie Ince's death, which sparked a major murder probe.
The discovery of the 80-year-old in a cupboard at his home in Ives Road, Park Hall, with a 14-inch skewer still embedded in his torso was featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme.
But the detective leading the high-profile investigation today revealed advice from experts had led him to conclude the fatal injuries were the result of a stroke.
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Matt Ward said: "We will be presenting a report to the coroner next month outlining our belief that Leslie Ince suffered a stroke, became extremely disorientated and, in a tragic accident, impaled himself on a barbeque skewer which was stored at a low level under the stairs.
"Our investigations have been extensive and thorough and we have sought advice from some of the leading experts in the country.
"There were no signs of forced entry, of stolen belongings, of witnesses or indeed of other people being in Mr Ince's house at the time of his death.
"Throughout this investigation we have been in the closest contact with Mr Ince's family in this country and in Canada. They have been told of our findings as we come to the end of this investigation."
