Tamworth boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of man’s murder

A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a man’s death.

The 15-year-old is accused of killing Dennis Whiston, 73, who died in hospital on 4 November.

The suspect, from Tamworth, was detained after Mr Whiston suffered a head injury during an assault in Hayle, in the Belgrave area of Tamworth, shortly after 19:00 GMT on 31 October.

The teenager was initially held on suspicion of a section 18 – wounding, before being bailed. Earlier, however, he was re-arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody, where he is due to be questioned, Staffordshire Police said.

The force confirmed it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The family of Mr Whiston, who lived in Tamworth, previously thanked people for the “wonderful” messages, cards and flowers they had received in his memory.

“Words cannot express how much Dennis was loved and respected as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather,” they said.

“We kindly ask that people respect our privacy and give us time to mourn our loss without constant speculation on social media about the circumstances of his passing.”

Police said officers were continuing to investigate the circumstances around Mr Whiston’s death, urging anyone who witnessed the assault or who might have footage, to get in touch.