West Midlands Police have launched a public appeal to locate a missing electric bicycle, which is believed to have been ridden by a man who was later discovered deceased on the grounds of a school in Wolverhampton. The investigation centres on the tragic case of Neil Thompson, who was found at Smestow Academy on Windmill Crescent on Monday, January 19.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
Initially, officers treated the death as unexplained, but following extensive inquiries, evidence now suggests it was likely an accident. Despite this development, detectives are continuing their work to fully establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Thompson's passing. A key element of their investigation is tracing the e-bike he was seen using in the hours before his death.
Appeal for Information on the Missing Bicycle
Police have released a description of the missing vehicle, which is a Carrera Crossfire E Men’s Electric Hybrid Bike 2.0 with an L frame. Investigators believe Mr Thompson rode the bike from the Aldersley area towards the Smestow canal on the outskirts of Wolverhampton. He was reportedly spotted on Wheatsheaf Road at 1am on the day he was found and later on the school grounds at 7.15am.
Detective Inspector Joe Davenport of West Midlands Police stated: "We're continuing to treat Mr Thompson's death as unexplained, but extensive investigations are continuing as we work to find the answers his family deserve. The information we have does point, at this stage, to this as being an accident. However, we want to be able to further establish this by locating the e-bike he had been seen riding in the hours before he died."
Description of Mr Thompson and Ongoing Searches
Mr Thompson, who was known by the nickname 'Chuck', was last seen wearing distinctive clothing, including a camouflage jacket, a grey gilet, jeans, and a beanie hat. He was also carrying a red rucksack and may have been wearing sunglasses. Despite thorough searches of the surrounding area and a significant review of CCTV footage, the e-bike has not yet been recovered.
DI Davenport added: "Thorough searches of the surrounding area and a significant CCTV trawl have as yet been unable to pinpoint what happened to that bike, and we're appealing for anyone who has found a bike to contact us. We would ask anyone who has any information about it to come forward and help us bring this investigation to a conclusion and bring some answers for Mr Thompson's family."
How to Assist the Police Inquiry
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the missing e-bike or the incident to come forward. Individuals can contact the police by calling 101 and quoting log number 1452 from January 19. The appeal emphasises the importance of community assistance in helping to provide closure for Mr Thompson's family during this difficult time.
