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Murder probe after burglary victim dies in hospital

Avon and Somerset Police Man wearing blue jumper and smiling inside his home. Avon and Somerset Police
Stephen Ridgeway, pictured above, died in hospital weeks after the incident

A murder investigation has been launched after a man died following an aggravated burglary at his home near Bristol.

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

It was reported that two men had forced their way inside, assaulted him and stolen property including alcohol and mobile phones.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 03:00 GMT and he was taken to hospital. However, Mr Ridgeway's condition worsened and he died on 7 December.

A police officer stands outside a semi-detached house with their hands clasped in front of them. They are wearing full uniform, including a hat and a high-vis coat. The house is built of light brick and has a pale rendering on the front, and there are are a number of large bushes in the front garden. A grey car parked on the street is partially visible.
Stephen Ridgeway, 72, died after an aggravated burglary at his home on Tenby Road

Avon and Somerset Police said a man in his 30s had been arrested prior to Mr Ridgeway's death on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

He remains on police bail with conditions including an overnight curfew.

The preliminary findings of a post-mortem examination were that the injuries sustained by Mr Ridgeway had contributed to his death.

The case was being treated as murder by the the force's Major Crime Investigation Team.

In an appeal on Friday 8 November, officers called for anyone with information or CCTV dashcam footage to come forward.

A police forensics van parked on the street, partly on the pavement. Another smaller van is parked on a driveway. It is a residential street with a number of terraced and semi-detached homes visible in the background.
Police said they did not believe there to be any wider risk to the public

Det Ch Insp James Wasiak, who was leading the investigation, said residents would see an increased police presence in the area, including further crime scene investigation at the house.

"We have 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 enquiries," he said.

DCI Wasiak added: "If you were in the Tenby Road area between midnight and 03:00 that Sunday, 3 November, 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."

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