Police investigate after elderly man is found dead in street in Stafford

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/dec/25/police-elderly-man-found-dead-stafford

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A 22-year-old man has been arrested after the body of an elderly man was found in the road in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Staffordshire police said the man's body was found on the Highfields estate in Stafford at around 12.50am. Specially trained police officers were with the family of the victim, who has not been named.

The 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through either drink or drugs in connection with the incident. The man remains in police custody and will continue to be questioned.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident and specialist officers are carrying out detailed inquiries at the scene.

Anyone with information on the incident or who may have heard or seen any suspicious activity in the area, or a white van, has been asked to contact Staffordshire police.

The force spokesman said: "Specially trained police officers are with the family of the elderly local man who died as a result of this tragic incident. They are being supported and kept informed about the progress of the investigation.

"The 22-year-old man arrested in connection with this incident remains in police custody and will be questioned by officers as the investigation progresses.

"We would ask that no names of the man who died are posted on to social media until the formal identification has been released so that the family affected can ensure all relatives and loved ones are informed first.

"We want to thank everyone affected by the road closures for their understanding and support at this difficult time."

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