Murder Investigation Launched Following Discovery of Body
A major police investigation has been initiated after emergency services discovered a man deceased in a city centre flat in Hanley. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, with paramedics initially attending the scene after receiving reports of an unresponsive individual.
The victim was pronounced dead at the property on Linfield Road at approximately 9.30pm on November 12, prompting an immediate response from Staffordshire Police. Officers quickly established a cordon around the flat as detectives began their initial inquiries into the suspicious death.
Forensic Examination and Local Investigations
Forensic teams have been conducting detailed examinations of the surrounding area, with particular attention given to a telephone box on nearby Bucknall New Road. The phone box was covered in blue sheeting this morning as specialists worked to gather potential evidence.
Police officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the neighbourhood, seeking information from residents who might have witnessed anything unusual or have relevant information about the incident. The investigation remains active with multiple lines of enquiry being pursued.
Arrest Made and Family Notification
Staffordshire Police confirmed that a 56-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. The suspect is being held while officers continue to piece together the circumstances leading to the man's death.
A force spokesman provided details of the initial response: "We were called to a flat on Linfield Road, Hanley, at about 9.30pm last night following a report made to colleagues by West Midlands Ambulance Service to say a man was unresponsive inside the address. Paramedics attended and found a man unresponsive inside. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene."
Police are currently working to locate the deceased man's next of kin so that specialist officers can provide support during this difficult time. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the victim's identity to allow proper support for the family during the initial stages of this traumatic event.
The cordon remains in place at the flat as officers continue their investigation, combining forensic analysis with house-to-house enquiries to establish the full sequence of events. Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist their investigation to come forward through their official portal.
