Police given more time to quiz murder suspects

Detectives have been given more time to question four men who were arrested after a man was found dying with stab wounds.

Thames Valley Police launched a murder investigation after a 38-year-old man was found seriously injured at a property in Queens Road, Newbury, Berkshire, at about 10pm on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place today and formal identification is unlikely to take place until then, a spokesman said.

Magistrates have given police until the early hours of Tuesday morning to detain the men without charge.

Police were initially called to a 33-year-old man who was found seriously injured in Boundary Road, Newbury, at 9.25pm on Saturday.

A force spokesman said he remained in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Three men, aged 20, 22 and 32, who were arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of the 38-year-old man, and the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man, have also been arrested in connection with other incidents that took place on Friday evening and the early hours of Saturday, police said.

All three have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a 43-year-old man near The Plough pub, in Greenham Road, Newbury, at about 10.30pm on Friday. The victim sustained bruising to his body.

The 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a 43-year-old woman in nearby Howarth Court about half-an-hour later. The woman, who was walking her dog at the time, suffered serious impact injuries to her leg, a police spokesman said.

The 20-year-old and 22-year-old have also been arrested on suspicion of assaulting two men, aged 21 and 22, in Thatcham town centre at about 1am on Saturday.

The fourth man, aged 32, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, police added.

Detective Chief Inspector Joe Kidman said: "Our investigation is progressing and we will be continuing our inquiries in the areas concerned in the coming days.

"We are still very keen to hear from any witnesses to these events in the Newbury and Thatcham areas on Friday evening and Saturday morning, or from anyone who has other information that could assist our investigation.

"Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out additional patrols to help reassure local residents."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

PA