Foreign Office facing renewed calls for investigation into Rob Spray death
A petition calling for the Foreign Office to launch an investigation into the death of a Cannock man in Bulgaria has hit 80,000 signatures.
Rob Spray died in Sofia after travelling to watch England play Bulgaria in a Euro 2020 qualifier.
Mr Spray, from Heath Hayes, was said to have been found in a "helpless condition" in the centre of the city and taken to hospital.
Bulgarian authorities said he then began to act aggressively and the police were called, however Mr Spray later died while being transported to a police station.
The 32-year-old, who was a West Brom season ticket holder, travelled to Bulgaria as part of a group of 11 friends including childhood friend Andrew McMath, who organised the trip for his own 30th birthday celebrations.
More than £25,000 has also been raised for Mr Spray's family via an online fundraising page.
And MP for Cannock Chase, Amanda Milling, met with Mr Spray's family last week and said she will meet with Foreign Office Ministers this week.
More coverage:
Amanda Milling said: "The tragic death of Robert Spray while he was in Bulgaria to watch the England match was horrific news.
"His family deserve all the help and support they can get in this difficult time.
"I am very pleased to see the online appeal for financial assistance has been so successful, showing how strong the community spirit is in our area and how much people thought of Robert.
"The circumstances around his death raise a number of serious questions and the family rightly are seeking answers to these questions.
"I have been assisting the family by raising their concerns with Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials.
"I have been in dialogue with Foreign Office Ministers and have a meeting with The Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP, Minister of State (Minister for Europe and the Americas).
"The family’s concerns and the circumstances of Robert Spray’s death need to be investigated.
"I will be lobbying the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to seek information so that the family’s questions can finally be answered."
To view the petition, click here
