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Murder inquiry into bonfire death Murder inquiry into bonfire death
(about 7 hours later)
Police have launched a murder investigation in Wirral after the death of a man whose body was discovered in the embers of a bonfire.Police have launched a murder investigation in Wirral after the death of a man whose body was discovered in the embers of a bonfire.
Stephen Croft, 34, was found dead on grassland at the junction of Borough Road and Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead.Stephen Croft, 34, was found dead on grassland at the junction of Borough Road and Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead.
Two boys aged 13 and 17, and a 19-year-old man, have been arrested and are being questioned. Two boys, aged 13 and 17, and a 19-year-old man have been arrested and are being questioned.
Supt Graham Yip said: "I am not able to say a cause of death, but I am able to say we are now dealing with a murder."Supt Graham Yip said: "I am not able to say a cause of death, but I am able to say we are now dealing with a murder."
Mr Croft's parents urged witnesses with information to come forward.Mr Croft's parents urged witnesses with information to come forward.
His mother Patricia and father, also called Stephen, paid tribute to their "caring" son.His mother Patricia and father, also called Stephen, paid tribute to their "caring" son.
Stephen's parents and his 31-year-old sister Sarah said he was "liked by everyone who met him" and would be "sadly missed".Stephen's parents and his 31-year-old sister Sarah said he was "liked by everyone who met him" and would be "sadly missed".
I can't emphasise how important it is that we get to the bottom of it, we are building up a picture of what happened that night. Supt Graham Yip, area commander of WirralI can't emphasise how important it is that we get to the bottom of it, we are building up a picture of what happened that night. Supt Graham Yip, area commander of Wirral
Officers are also examining CCTV footage from the area where Mr Croft was found dead.Officers are also examining CCTV footage from the area where Mr Croft was found dead.
Supt Yip said speculation Mr Croft had been attacked by youths who filmed the incident on mobile phones must be reported to police by witnesses.Supt Yip said speculation Mr Croft had been attacked by youths who filmed the incident on mobile phones must be reported to police by witnesses.
He added: "If you have mobile phones with footage of Mr Croft being assaulted it is vital evidence to the investigating officer.He added: "If you have mobile phones with footage of Mr Croft being assaulted it is vital evidence to the investigating officer.
"I can't emphasise how important it is that we get to the bottom of it, we are building up a picture of what happened that night."I can't emphasise how important it is that we get to the bottom of it, we are building up a picture of what happened that night.
"If it is just speculation it has the potential to take this murder investigation down an avenue that clearly we would not like to explore.""If it is just speculation it has the potential to take this murder investigation down an avenue that clearly we would not like to explore."
Police said the 34-year-old victim suffered burns and head injuries.Police said the 34-year-old victim suffered burns and head injuries.
Bonfire partyBonfire party
Supt Yip also made a direct appeal to a "vital witnesses" who was spoken to by a boy outside Yummy Burger Bar on Oxton Road, Birkenhead.Supt Yip also made a direct appeal to a "vital witnesses" who was spoken to by a boy outside Yummy Burger Bar on Oxton Road, Birkenhead.
The results of a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death are expected later.The results of a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death are expected later.
An informal firework and bonfire party organised by local residents had been held where Mr Croft's body was found.An informal firework and bonfire party organised by local residents had been held where Mr Croft's body was found.
Most people are thought to have left at about 2030 GMT on Wednesday.Most people are thought to have left at about 2030 GMT on Wednesday.
Police were called to the scene at 0100 GMT on Thursday.Police were called to the scene at 0100 GMT on Thursday.
People living nearby said they were shocked that a community event had ended so tragically.People living nearby said they were shocked that a community event had ended so tragically.