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Police in Shropshire have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a 52-year-old man in Shrewsbury.

The man was found with stab wounds at a flat in Kynaston Road, Harlescott at around 6.15pm last night. He was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead soon after.

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in custody at Shrewsbury and Telford police stations.

Around 50 officers are currently involved in the investigation. It is being led by one of West Mercia’s senior investigating officers, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Davenport of the Major Incident Unit and Detective Inspector Ernie Locke, based at Shrewsbury.

Home Office consultant pathologist Dr Kenneth Shorrock was due to carry perform a post mortem today to establish the cause of death.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses or other information which might be connected to the incident. They have already received a good response from neighbours and local residents but believe there are others who may have helpful information.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Matthews said today: “At 6.20pm last night, police received a call from the ambulance service concerning a 52-year-old man with stab wounds at a flat in Kynaston Road, Shrewsbury.

“The man had serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital but unfortunately was pronounced dead a short time later.

“A 25-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder. Three other men – two aged 25 and the other 40 – were arrested in the Harlescott area within a few hours.

“All four are being held on suspicion of murder and will be interviewed at Monkmoor Police Station, Shrewsbury and at Malinsgate Police Station in Telford.”

DS Matthews said the police had received an excellent response from local people overnight but appealed for others to come forward. They should contact Shrewsbury Police Station on 0300-333-3000.

“We particularly want to hear from anyone who heard a disturbance at the flat in 8, Kynaston Road between about 5.45pm and 6.30pm last night, or if they know of any arguments or disturbances at the premises or in the street around Kynaston Road and Lancaster Road involving a number of men during the past week or so.

“It is vitally important to the investigation team that they contact the police without delay,” he added

The man’s family have been informed. He will not be named until formal identification has been carried out.