Bonfire body find treated as murder

The body of Stephen Croft, 34, was discovered on a bonfire by fire crews attending the Guy Fawkes night blaze in Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside. He had suffered head injuries and severe burns.

A witness claimed Mr Croft was attacked by youths who filmed themselves on mobile phones as they wielded a flaming log.

A 13-year-old boy, arrested on Tuesday morning, remains in custody along with a 19-year-old man and a boy aged 17.

Superintendent Graham Yip, from Merseyside Police, said officers still needed the public's help. He said: "If you have mobile phones with footage of Mr Croft being assaulted it is vital evidence to the investigating officer.

"We have not received information from people saying Mr Croft was assaulted and being filmed. That is not to say it has not happened. If anyone has information we need to speak to them.

"Stephen Croft was a local man in the local area enjoying Bonfire Night. What has happened is absolutely tragic. He leaves a mum, a dad and sister behind."

Mr Yip said officers were trying to trace a man and a woman who had a conversation near Yummies burger bar on Oxton Road, Birkenhead, at about 1am on Tuesday. "This female may have vital information," he added.

Mr Yip said a dedicated team of more than 20 detectives were involved in the investigation from the Wirral and the police headquarters in Liverpool.

The results of a forensic examination carried out late on Tuesday night have yet to be released and further tests and examinations are being carried out by the pathologist department, Mr Yip said.