Shocking and bizarre crimes reported to police in July

Here are seven such incidents from Warrington during July:

'Brilliant' dad dies after serious assault

A ‘wonderful husband and brilliant father’ was tragically killed after a serious assault at a Screwfix store.

Andrew Webster was rushed to Aintree Hospital after the incident outside the branch on Gateway 49 Trade Park in Bewsey on the morning of Thursday, July 2.

The ‘hard working’ builder died of a head injury nearly a week later on Wednesday, July 8, at the age of 51.

Cheshire Police have confirmed that a ‘homicide’ investigation is underway.

A 24-year-old man was previously arrested on suspicion of assault, but was later released on bail pending further enquiries by the force.

Paying tribute to her husband, Mr Webster’s wife Lisa said: “Andy was such a strong, brave, wonderful husband, but more so he was a brilliant father – he made us feel safe and secure, and built our family a great future.

“Words cannot describe how much we miss him and how much of a hero he is to us.

“Our time was cut short, but we can still feel his love and loyalty and his many stories will be forever told by all who knew him.”

Historic building defaced

Residents were left shocked after awaking to find out that graffiti was left strewn over one of the town’s most iconic and historic building in the early hours of Friday, July 3.

Messages were scrawled across the exterior walls of the Cottage on Church Street in red and blue paint.

Oliver Cromwell is believed to have stayed near to the Tudor building, which is now an Indian restaurant, in 1648.

Serious assault at pub

The town’s pubs reopened for the first time this month since being forced to shut by the coronavirus pandemic.

But there was a serious assault outside one premises on the first day that trading resumed.

Police were called to the public house on London Road in Stockton Heath shortly before 11pm on Saturday, July 4, after a 25-year-old suffered a facial injury during the altercation.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident, but he was later released without charge.

Drugs found inside chocolate treat

One shopper was left stunned after discovering drugs stashed inside a box of four Kinder Surprise eggs she bought from a supermarket.

The chocolate treats were bought from the Lidl store on Fennell Street on Friday, July 17.

But when the customer opened the package, which she had bought for her three-year-old nephew, there were four capsules filled with tablets inside.

Cheshire Police are investigating the incident.

Lidl said it had passed the issue onto its supplier while Ferrero, which makes Kinder Surprise, said that it was taking the discovery ‘very seriously’.

Car part thefts from zoo

Police swooped on a supermarket petrol station to arrest a man suspected of stealing catalytic converters from cars parked at Chester Zoo.

The 35-year-old was held at the pumps outside the Morrisons store off Wilderspool Causeway on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 14.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing his vehicle being boxed in by police cars as he was filling up.

He was detained after parts were stolen from several vehicles outside the zoo the previously Thursday.

The suspect, from Burnley, has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries by Cheshire Police.

Naked man seen in bushes

A dog walker spotted a naked man performing a sex act in bushes near to a primary school.

The incident reportedly occurred on Green Lane in Burtonwood, close to Burtonwood Community Primary School, at lunchtime on Wednesday, July 22.

Police carried out a search of the area, but there was no trace of the man.

Officers conducted additional patrols in the area at home time in order to ‘provide reassurance to parents’.

Stabbing reported amid huge brawl

A man was reportedly stabbed after a huge fight broke out in Latchford on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21.

Eyewitness claimed to have seen up to 30 men brawling on Loushers Lane, with some allegedly armed and wearing ski masks and balaclavas.

The police helicopter was called out, with a 22-year-old man having been found seriously injured at the scene.

Four men – aged 19, 20, 26 and 37 – were arrested in connection with the incident, but they have all since been released on bail.