Northampton murder investigation – update and appeal for information

Dear Residents 

You will probably be aware that a murder investigation was launched yesterday, Friday, August 1, after a man was found fatally injured near the River Nene in Northampton town centre. Police were called by the ambulance service at about 6.30am following the discovery of the man, who was in his 50s, on a bench nearthe canal footpath behind Auctioneers Court.

The investigation is continuing at pace as a dedicated team of police officers and detectives work to establish the circumstances that has led to the man’s death. The senior investigating officer leading the inquiry is making a further appeal for witnesses and information, in particular CCTV or other camera footage that local residents may have of the nearby area.

Officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and have talked to a number of people already.  However, we are also keen to hear from local residents, especially those who live in the apartments that overlook the river and the area near to where the man was found, or anyone who was in the area overnight on Thursday 31 July to Friday 1 August.

If you or anyone you know has any camera footage (from between approximately 8pm on Thursday, July 31 and 6.30am on Friday, August 1) or any other information that may assist the investigation, please contact police as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, can help us piece together exactly what happened. 

Please call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 25000450267. Alternatively information can be submitted via our online portal here or at mipp.police.uk.

Information can also be shared with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

We understand there will be a lot of concern in the local community and if you have any questions or concerns, please do speak to a local officer or get in touch via Northamptonshire Talking. There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area, and neighbourhood officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols throughout the weekend to offer reassurance and support. 

The scene guard and police cordon remain in place, and the canal footpath between Trenery Way footpath at Wathen Wigg bridge and Becket’s Bridge also remains closed for the time being. Please avoid this area if you can while investigations continue and thank you for your patience. 

We appreciate your support and please do share this message with your neighbours.

Northampton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team