Merry Hill murder probe: Community rocked after Wolverhampton street death
The man was found dead on the Wolverhampton estate near to where teenager Keelan Wilson was stabbed
A community was in shock today after a man died in the street on a Wolverhampton estate.
Police tents and a cordon mark out the scene as a murder investigation gathers pace.
Emergency services were called to Chadwick Close, in Merry Hill, at around 6.20pm.
The man, who is yet to be identified but is aged in his 20s, died in the street.
Residents claim to have heard a fight in the minutes before the man was found.
West Midlands Ambulance Service crews arrived to find the man in cardiac arrest.
Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car and the Midlands Air Ambulance crew from Cosford in a rapid response car attended the scene.
Spokesman Jamie Arrowsmith said: "He received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff but sadly it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
Neighbours' shock over street death
People living in the area have called the attack 'appalling' and say they are scared to go out at night.
Anne Gee, aged 66, said: "It is appalling what has happened.
"I have lived here for 50 years and lived in the flats for 37. I just think it is terrible what is going on around here."
A man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I've just been told a few things around the block about what's happened."
He added: "Drugs are prevalent round here."
Another man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I've lived round here all of my life.
"I'm used to it. We get out early, then get in and shut ourselves in.
"I have never [stayed out late] even in my younger days, I just go by the main roads - no alleyways, no nothing."
Facebook was also awash with comments over the killing.
One person wrote: "[This] used to be a nice part of town this is awful."
Another added: "Unbelievable yet again another victim.
"Something needs to change this country is getting out of hand. Feel sorry for my kids."
Another said: "So sad. Another life lost. When will something be done?
"Thoughts go out to family and friends."
Murder investigation latest
Forensic teams have continued to comb the roadside and parking area between Highfield Court and St Joseph's Court tower blocks.
Two police tents had been set up as police work to gather evidence.
Interactive map of the scene:
Police officers remain at the scene making inquiries.
A cordon is in place blocking off Chadwick Close close to a small car park and a row of bungalows.
Latest Merry Hill death rocks community
Merry Hill has been rocked by two high-profile deaths in the last two years.
Anne Marie James, died after she was attacked by brother Melvin James in a flat in Highfield Court tower block, in Chadwick Close, in March 2017.
The tragedy unfolded at Lynette James’ fourth floor flat when her 33-year-old son fatally stabbed his sister Anne Marie, a mother of five, before critically injuring his mother and fatally turning the knife on himself.
Last year, schoolboy Keelan Wilson, was stabbed to death in Merry Hill.
Police cordoned off part of Strathfield Walk and Langley Road after the 15-year-old was fatally wounded.
West Midlands Police has arrested six teenagers over Keelan’s death in May and Detective Inspector Warren Hines admitted the murder probe is ‘progressing slowly.’
Councillor Simon Bennett, who represents the Merry Hill ward, said: "It's rocked everyone a bit and it's less than 12 months since Keelan Wilson was murdered so people are rightly worried about what's happening to our area.
"I'm angry that it's been so close to a previous murder in the area and so close - less than a stone's throw from the other one.
"Our condolences go out to the family and people in the area are rightly shocked.
"Where it happened, there used to be a police station there. There's not anymore but the local policing unit operate from a housing office.
"There's a police presence in the day because they're based there. Obviously in the evening it's a different place.
"I don't think that having a bigger police presence on a day-to-day basis would effect things.
"The police stepped it up after the other murder. It's reassuring for residents, but I don't think it's going to deter people who want to cause harm to other people.
"From the comments from residents and things they are very concerned and are very sad again to have another young person attacked in the area within 12 months.
"It will have a distinct effect."
