Police given more time to question Stroud murder suspect

The man was found in the car park of the Tesco superstore on Stratford Road in Stroud

Police have been granted more time to detain a woman arrested on suspicion of murdering a man who was thought to have had his mobility scooter stolen.

Neil Shadwick, who was in his 60s, was found unresponsive in the car park of Tesco superstore in Stroud early on Sunday morning.

He was taken to hospital but died later that same day.

Police can hold the woman, who is 40 and from Stroud, in custody for a further 36 hours.

She is being questioned on suspicion of murder and robbery.

Mr Shadwick lived in a bungalow in Archway Gardens, Paganhill

Mr Shadwick had Parkinson's disease and had previously suffered a stroke.

He had also already been the victim of a violent robbery last year.

Last May, Mr Shadwick was robbed in his home in Stroud, Gloucestershire, by Anthony Gardiner, 64, and Serena Hotchkins, 23, who took his wallet and phone.

The pair were jailed at Gloucester Crown Court last week after they admitted robbing Mr Shadwick on 10 May 2022.

Inspector Paul Cruise, Stroud and Dursley neighbourhood policing team inspector, reassured the public that everything was being done to resolve the case.

"We are looking at all aspects of what went on in the days and weeks prior to this incident taking place," he said.

"This gentleman was well known within his local community. Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of this gentleman."

An abandoned mobility scooter was later found on Bisley Old Road

The victim relied on a mobility scooter for transport and one was found abandoned on Bisley Old Road by a member of the public later on Sunday morning.

Gloucestershire Constabulary are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are asking for anyone with information to get in touch.

They have also asked for any relevant doorbell or dashcam footage to be handed in.

Mr Cruise said: "We have got officers out patrolling the areas and we don't believe there's anyone outstanding for this incident at this time.

"Our neighbourhood officers are out to provide reassurance and to answer any questions that the public may have."

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