Dead man found with shoes missing

Police have named a man whose body was found on a footpath in Shropshire.

Neil Williams, 41, from Telford, was found on a housing estate in nearby Stirchley on Friday. His shoes, watch, belt, and money were missing.

Detectives said he may either have been the victim of a robbery or he collapsed for some medical reason and had items taken from him as he lay on the ground.

A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive and West Mercia Police described the incident as "disturbing".

A spokesman said his body may have been there for several hours.

This is a disturbing and upsetting incident and the police and of course his family need to know what happened West Mercia Police spokesman

It is thought he was dropped off at Randlay Farmhouse public house about 2100 BST on Thursday and was reported missing when he failed to return home.

Police are keeping an open mind but have launched a major investigation, the spokesman added.

"This is a disturbing and upsetting incident and the police and of course his family need to know what happened.

"We would appeal for anyone in the local community who has information, no matter how insignificant, to come forward.

"Stealing a person's shoes is a particularly appalling and degrading thing to do and it seems all the more so when it happens over the Easter holiday period, when most people are trying to enjoy the long weekend."