WEEKEND UPDATE: Man killed in Bridgwater named

3:30pm Friday 22nd June 2012 in News

Officers at the scene Officers at the scene

A BUSINESSMAN has been named as the victim of suspected stabbing in Bridgwater on Thursday (June 21).

Mike Bithrey, 72, landlord of properties at Escott Court, died after being airlifted to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, following an ‘altercation’ at around 11am.

The former town councillor from Honiton is a well-known businessman in East Devon and landlord of the property where the incident took place.

The married father-of-four and grandfather owns Bithrey Holdings, based in Bithrey House, King Street, Honiton.

Following the incident police cordoned off an area around Escott Court, Chilton Street, which consists of 13 flats.

Forensics remained at the scene on Friday and a tarpaulin is covering several vehicles.

One resident told the Mercury: "I had just stepped out for a cigarette when I saw police cars and ambulances everywhere. There was a guy who was covered in blood being put into an ambulance. It was like all hell had broken loose.

“Police asked if I heard anything – gunshots – but I didn’t. There have been police, ambulances, forensics and CID here. I don’t know what’s going on."

Dan Tottle, who lives nearby, said: “I heard a loud noise and saw ornaments shaking in my home. I then saw the helicopter fly in and a man was taken away on a stretcher.”

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Police were called to reports of an altercation in the Chilton Street area of Bridgwater at about 10.50am.

"The area was been cordoned off pending an examination by crime scene investigators."

A man understood to be in his 80s has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information on the incident should call police on 101.

Did you see what happened? Contact our newsroom on 01278-727960.

Comments(12)

katalina21 says...
5:26pm Thu 21 Jun 12

RIP to this man. Mercury you need to be quicker reporting stories. The 'grapevine' is quicker than your reports.

Report this post »

MINIME2 says...
8:59pm Thu 21 Jun 12

Your right Katalina21. I heard about earlier this afternoon.

Report this post »

Bridgy old Boy says...
10:25pm Thu 21 Jun 12

Not necessarily wishing to defend the Mercury because I am sure the journos were very busy writing up copy from Holford WI Ladies evening, but something as potentially serious as this story cannot be led by the "grapevine". Effectively we appear to have a murder here and it is essential the facts are reported accurately if nothing else for the sake of the bereaveds family.

Report this post »

latitude says...
10:34pm Thu 21 Jun 12

Additionally, in the Mercury's defence, this is an update; the story was originally reported early in the afternoon.

RIP and condolences to family and friends.

Report this post »

sheldoncooper says...
10:36pm Thu 21 Jun 12

Bridgy old Boy wrote:
Not necessarily wishing to defend the Mercury because I am sure the journos were very busy writing up copy from Holford WI Ladies evening, but something as potentially serious as this story cannot be led by the "grapevine". Effectively we appear to have a murder here and it is essential the facts are reported accurately if nothing else for the sake of the bereaveds family.
Quite right B-O-B. The Bridgy Jungle Drums may be quick of the mark but in the space of two hours there were at least 4 different versions of this flying around ( and probably not one of the correct)

Report this post »

katalina21 says...
12:11pm Fri 22 Jun 12

When i made my comment i was refering to the update of the gentlmans death not the story itself.

Report this post »

MINIME2 says...
4:44pm Fri 22 Jun 12

I was also commenting on the incident not how or why. Read the comments properly those of you who are so quick to criticise others.

Report this post »

hevjay says...
6:41pm Fri 22 Jun 12

katalina21 wrote:
When i made my comment i was refering to the update of the gentlmans death not the story itself.
You did not say that though.

Report this post »

hevjay says...
6:44pm Fri 22 Jun 12

MINIME2 wrote:
I was also commenting on the incident not how or why. Read the comments properly those of you who are so quick to criticise others.
Nobody is critising other posters, maybe you should read their comments properly!

Report this post »

katalina21 says...
7:46pm Fri 22 Jun 12

Revjay when i say RIP to the man in the sentence before i think that is clue enough.

Report this post »

MINIME2 says...
10:12pm Fri 22 Jun 12

Sheldoncooper referred to the Bridgy Jungle Drums with 4 different versions .You read the comments properly hevjay you and others did assume we were the Bridgy Jungle Drums.

Report this post »

RustyKnight says...
10:26am Sat 23 Jun 12

Can't believe the lack of consideration by the bunch of idiots arguing about comments above - they should all be taken to the Cornhill and put in stocks!

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree