CCTV footage released in murder investigation

CCTV footage has today been released by detectives investigating the murder of a 58-year-old homeless man who was attacked near a bus stop in Birmingham in the early hours of last Friday (30 December).

Richard Williams was found injured in the bus stop near the junction of Barford Road and Dudley Road near City Hospital in Ladywood just after midnight. He was taken to hospital with head injuries but died a short while later.

A forensic post mortem revealed that Mr Williams died as a result of serious head injuries.

It is believed that following the attack, the offender ran across Dudley Road into Heath Street towards Winson Green Road. The man is described as aged between 30 to 50 years, white, up to 6ft tall with a stocky build. He was wearing a dark or very dark coloured bomber jacket, with a lighter beanie style hat and light trousers.

 Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Wayne Jones said:

"We are keen to trace the man featured in the footage who we believe has crucial information to the investigation.

 "Richard was sat in the bus stop, possibly asleep, when he was ferociously attacked receiving several blows to his head. He was a homeless man who had fallen on hard times although his family were always very supportive of him and are devastated by the loss of their brother.

 "The motive for this attack is not known at this stage and we are trying to piece together the circumstances leading up to the attack. CCTV examination from the area will continue together with house to house.

 "Dudley Road is a busy road, if you were in the area and have information that could help our enquiries we would ask you to come forward at your earliest opportunity."

 Richard's sister, Elaine Shipway, said:

 "The latter part of my brother's life, because of his alcohol addiction, he spent homeless. He was a quiet gentle man when he was not drinking and had never hurt anyone physically in his entire life even when he was drinking.

 "He was well known and had friends in the area when he was homeless. He didn't deserve to have his life ended in this violent way. Please come forward if you know anything to help the police to catch his killer."

 Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room - Operation LORIAN - at West Midlands Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.