Doncaster murder victim was assaulted days before his death

Detectives investigating the murder of a 43-year-old man believe he could have been assaulted on several occasions in the week before his death.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2016, 08:15 BST
Updated 17th Mar 2016, 08:51 BST
Christopher CumpstyChristopher Cumpsty
Christopher Cumpsty

Police believe Christopher Cumpsty died as a result of multiple injuries sustained up to seven days before he died.

His body was discovered at an address in Cross Street, Balby in the early hours of Friday.

A heavy Police presence on Cross Street, Balby, after the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Balby Murder MC 2A heavy Police presence on Cross Street, Balby, after the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Balby Murder MC 2
A heavy Police presence on Cross Street, Balby, after the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Balby Murder MC 2
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Speaking about the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Victoria Short said: “We believe he was assaulted over the period of seven days before his death, this may have been once or several times.

“We can say with confidence that the injuries were not consistent with having taken place immediately before his death.”

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Mr Cumpsty had moved to Doncaster from Lancaster just a few months before his death.

A heavy Police presence on Cross Street, Balby, after the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Balby Murder MC 2A heavy Police presence on Cross Street, Balby, after the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Balby Murder MC 2
A heavy Police presence on Cross Street, Balby, after the body of a 43-year-old man was discovered. Picture: Marie Caley NDFP Balby Murder MC 2
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Det Ch Insp Short said: “His family are absolutely devastated by his death and had spoken to him just a few days earlier.”

Police confirmed Mr Cumpsty had rung his mum to wish her happy Mother’s Day just five days before his body was found and she had no cause for concern.

Det Ch Insp Short said officers are trying to piece together the 43-year-old’s movements in the days leading up to his death and it is vital anyone with information comes forward.

She said Mr Cumpsty would often go out and about on his bicycle or in his van in the evening and people may have seen him out and about at night.

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She added: “He often went out and about in an evening and it may have been someone has seen him at night or in the early hours of the day that may have information.

“He wasn’t the type of person that went to bed at 10pm, he would sometimes sleep in the day and stay out late. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could prove vital to our investigation so I’d urge you to get in touch.”

Detectives are continuing to carry out enquiries in the Cross Street area.

Det Ch Insp added: “It is believed the incident was a targeted attack and residents should not be afraid.”

A post mortem revealed Mr Cumpsty died from multiple injuries.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting 128 of March 11 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Related topics:DoncasterPoliceLancaster