DETECTIVES investigating the death of a man found fatally injured on a canal bench are urging two men to come forward.
Robert Brown, 57, was last seen visiting a supermarket in Northampton town centre on July 31 before he was found dead near the River Nene.
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Northamptonshire Police launched a murder investigation after being called to the scene shortly after 6.30am on the morning of August 1.
They were called to a canal footpath behind Auctioneers Court after reports that a man had been found on a bench fatally injured.
The circumstances that led to Brown’s death remain unknown but a post-mortem examination took place on Saturday at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester which found Brown sustained a wound to his arm.
Now, police have asked two men who may be witnesses to what happened to come forward.
The force said in an appeal: “Detectives investigating the death of a man found near the River Nene in Northampton town centre are urging two males who may be potential witnesses to come forward.
“They were in the Beckets Bridge and Park area about 4am on Friday, August 1.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jen Lovatt from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit said: “From our inquiries, we have established that at around 4am on Friday morning, two males – we can’t be sure of their ages at this stage – were walking along the riverbank in the area near to where Robert was found.
“If you were in the area of Beckets Bridge and Beckets Park in the early hours of Friday, we would really like to speak with you.
“You may not realise it, but it’s possible you saw or heard something that would help us with the investigation.
“If you believe this may have been you or you know who it was, I urge you to contact police as soon as possible by calling 101 or via our online portal at mipp.police.uk.”
No arrests have yet been made and Brown’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
The River Nene remains closed to pedestrians and river traffic between London Road bridge and Nunn Mills Road bridge.
They said the river will likely remain closed until Tuesday evening while searches take place.
There is an increased police presence in the area as part of an effort to reassure those living in the neighbourhood.
Northamptonshire Police have also appealed to those living in nearby apartments overlooking the River Nene.
Those with any information or video footage have been urged to get in contact with the police.
Detective Chief Inspector Jen Lovatt from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit said: “This is an exceptionally sad incident and our thoughts and sincere condolences remain with Robert’s family, who continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“His death has understandably also had a big impact on the neighbourhood and wider community, and we would like to thank them for their support while officers continue to carry out searches at the scene, as well as those who have helped with our investigation.
“A dedicated team of officers is working around the clock to establish exactly what happened to Robert.
“A forensic post mortem examination carried out yesterday, Saturday, August 2, found that Robert sustained a wound to his arm.
“However, the exact cause of death is unascertained at this stage.”
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