Man Charged with Murder Following Hanley Flat Death
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man at a flat in Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire Police were called to a property on Linfield Road in Hanley at approximately 9.30pm on Wednesday, November 12.
Officers discovered a man who was unresponsive inside the flat. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim Identified as Stephen Lovatt
The victim has been formally identified as Stephen Lovatt, aged 55. Police confirmed that Mr Lovatt was of no fixed address.
The discovery of his body prompted an immediate investigation by detectives from Staffordshire Police.
Suspect Appears in Court
As a result of the investigation, a suspect was swiftly charged. Barry Scott Johnson, 56, of Winsford in Cheshire, has been charged with murder.
Johnson was due to make his first court appearance at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Monday, November 17.
Staffordshire Police have issued a public appeal for information to assist with their ongoing enquiries. A spokesperson for the force urged anyone with details to come forward via their official portal.
