Burntwood Online

Man shot dead in Burntwood

Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man was shot dead at a house in Meadway Street.
The body of the man, named locally as Richard Deakin but not yet officially identified, was discovered by officers at the property at around 8.30am on 5th July.
Mr Deakin, who ran local firm On Time Skips, is understood to have moved in to the detached house around 18 months ago with his wife Megan and two daughters.
Neighbours have told of two masked men seen vaulting the wall at the property, before leaving in a black car.
While one local said,“We saw the police take the dead man’s wife out and she was in tears."
Local councillor Paul Atkins also said he was shocked by the news. “This kind of thing is just no what you expect in a small community like Chasetown,” he said.
The most recent police statements reads:
Inquiries continue into the death of a man in Meadway Street, Chasetown, yesterday morning (Mon).
The man, who is believed to have been aged 27, has not yet been formally identified.
A post-mortem examination was completed late last night (Mon) by a Home Office pathologist. It revealed that the man died from a gun shot wound to the chest.
Detectives from Staffordshire Police's Major Investigation Department have launched a murder inquiry into the incident.
The scene remained cordoned off overnight and into this morning (Tues).
Chief Inspector Selwyn Burton, from Trent Valley Division, said: "This type of shocking incident is very rare in Staffordshire and is being thoroughly investigated by the force's Major Investigation Department. Specially-trained officers are offering support to the victim's family.
"Uniformed officers will remain in the area today to offer reassurance to local residents.
"Anyone with information should ring Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."