DPD driver, 23, 'ambushed and killed by gang' while making afternoon delivery

22 August 2023 , 08:51

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A young DPD driver has died after being ambushed while making a delivery (Image: SWNS)

A young DPD driver has died after being ambushed while making a delivery by a gang wielding "blades and blunt objects".

Officers were called after the 23-year-old victim was attacked in Coton Hill, Shrewsbury at around 1.05pm on Monday. Emergency services attended, but despite their best efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Four men aged 24, 22, 26 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody being quizzed by detectives.

West Mercia Police are appealing for any information about a white Mercedes or a grey Audi thought to be connected to the attack. The force said increased uniform patrols will be carried out in the area to offer reassurance to the local community. Neighbours said the man had just got out of a DPD delivery van when he was attacked by the gang wielding 'blades and blunt objects'.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It all happened about 100 yards where I live. I understand it was the passenger rather than the driver who was attacked. These men jumped him as they pulled up on the estate. I think it may be a targeted attack rather than a random robbery but we don't know the full details of what happened. He died at the scene, and I know a witness who say it all unfold is very shaken by what he saw.

Police at the scene in Shrewsbury (SWNS)

"This is a quiet and peaceful area and the only passing traffic is usually a delivery van. There were no firearms involved but heard blades and blunt objects were used as weapons during the attack. I think it was an opportunistic attack and it didn't involve people from around the estate. The police acted very quickly though to arrest four men."

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Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "It's a terrifying thing to happen around here. The poor lad was attacked while just doing his job, nobody deserves that. I was shaking all day yesterday, you just can't believe it. The police have been around knocking on people's doors. We think the van was followed by another car and they have attacked him when they stopped to make a delivery."

Police are appealing for information (SWNS)

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy said: “We understand this incident may be concerning for the local community and I would like to offer my reassurance we will carry out a full and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. Four people are in custody as our investigation continues. Residents will see an increase police presence in the area for the coming days as officers carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to anyone who may be concerned.

“We know a number of people were in the area at the time and may have information that could prove crucial to our enquiries, in particular we’re keen to speak to anyone who lives in Berwick Avenue and has CCTV or doorbell footage, or any motorists in the area at the time with dashcam footage. We’re also keen to hear from anyone who saw a white Mercedes Benz registration OV60 VTP which was recovered on Kynaston Road or a grey Audi registration EY63 BCV in Berwick Avenue or the surrounding area.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting log 192_I_21082023. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk.

A spokesman for DPD told the Mirror: "We can confirm that a two-person DPD crew was involved in an incident on Berwick Avenue in Shrewsbury yesterday afternoon (Monday 21 August) and that sadly one of the two individuals delivering parcels was attacked and subsequently died.

"We are working closely with the police investigation team, but all our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this tragic time."

Lorraine King