Charges over post office murder

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Four people have been charged with the murder of a man shot during a village post office robbery.

Craig Hodson-Walker, 29, was killed during the raid in Fairfield, Worcestershire, last Friday. His father, Ken, 56, was shot in the leg.

The four men, aged between 24 and 33 and from Birmingham and Solihull, have also been charged with attempted murder and attempted robbery.

They will appear at Redditch Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Christopher Morrissey, 31, from Sheldon; Anselm Ribera, 33, from Druids Heath; Adrian Snape , 24, from Small Heath, all Birmingham and Declan Morrissey, 33, from Solihull, were arrested as more than 100 officers became involved in the investigation.

A two-minute silence was held by post office staff across the UK earlier to remember Mr Hodson-Walker who got engaged to his partner at Christmas.

The Post Office has also set up a memorial fund in his name.

Confirming the charges, Det Supt John Groves of West Mercia Police, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with the Hodson-Walker family at this sad time.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those members of the public who have assisted us and responded to our appeals by coming forward with information to help our investigation.

"An operation involving additional high-visibility patrols by police and community support officers around post offices and convenience stores will continue and we hope these will help reassure people that North Worcestershire remains a very safe place in which to live, work and visit."

Five other people arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on bail.

Police have been questioning motorists a week on from the robbery in the hope they may recall something.

Meanwhile, Belbroughton and Fairfield Parish Council has been looking at the possibility of getting the store reopened with the help of volunteers, police said.