Keynsham murder investigation launched after burglary victim, 72, dies in hospital

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man died in hospital a month after his Somerset home was burgled.

Stephen Ridgeway, 72, told police he answered the door of his property in Tenby Road, Keynsham, in the early hours of Sunday 3 November.

He described how two men forced their way inside before assaulting him and stealing items including alcohol and mobile phones.

Emergency services were called to Mr Ridgeway’s home at around 3am and he was later admitted to hospital, where his condition worsened and he died on Saturday 7 December.

Avon and Somerset Police said preliminary findings of a post-mortem examination state that the injuries Mr Ridgeway sustained contributed to his death.

The case is now being treated as murder by the force’s major crime investigation team.

A man aged in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary before Mr Ridgeway’s death and remains on police bail with conditions including an overnight curfew.

Detective Chief Inspector James Wasiak, who is now leading the investigation, said: "Fast-track inquiries were carried out immediately after the incident.

"Colleagues were already following up positive lines of inquiry after the earlier appeal and awaiting the results of forensic investigation at the property.

"Since the awful news of the man’s death, we have reviewed that early evidence. Today and over the next few days you will see an increased police presence in the area, including further crime scene investigation at the house.

"We have found no evidence of any wider risk to the community but I’d urge anyone who has concerns to speak with the neighbourhood policing team, who will be a reassuring uniformed presence while we make these further inquiries."

Mr Ridgeway’s family are aware of his death and will be supported by a specially-trained officer, the force confirmed.

Police are renewing an earlier appeal for anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

Mr Wasiak said: "If you were in the Tenby Road area between midnight and 3am that Sunday, November 3, we’d like to hear from you.

"You may have noticed something which may not seem important in itself, but which could be key when connected with other information."

Anyone with information is asked to call Avon and Somerset Police on 101, giving the reference 5224289518. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online.