Family seek answers after murder probe closed

The family of a Worcestershire man whose death was investigated as murder say they are still "desperately seeking answers" after prosecutors advised that no further action should be taken in the case.

Paul Hart, 52, died after being injured during an altercation in Malvern in July 2025.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of murder, but West Mercia Police said a file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which advised that no charges would be brought.

Relatives said they felt "shocked, hurt and deeply let down", while the force said Hart's next of kin were kept updated throughout the investigation and informed of the CPS' decision.

Hart was injured on Belle Vue Terrace, Malvern, on 12 July 2025 and later died at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Adam Ward, Hart's nephew, said he was speaking on behalf of some family members who remained "desperately seeking answers" about the circumstances of his uncle's death.

In a statement, family members said they were struggling to understand how the decision had been reached before an inquest into his death had taken place.

"As a family, we are utterly shocked and devastated by the outcome of this case," they said.

"We find it extremely difficult to understand how this decision has been reached when the inquest into our uncle's death has still not taken place, and we are yet to receive answers about the circumstances surrounding his death."

The family said the inquest had been delayed several times and was now scheduled for 13 January 2027.

However, West Mercia Police said Hart's next of kin were kept updated throughout the investigation, including being informed of the CPS decision.

"Paul's next of kin has been kept updated throughout the duration of the investigation, including being informed of the most recent decision from the Crown Prosecution Service who have advised there will be no further action," a force spokesperson said.

The family also criticised communication during the investigation.

Ward said the family were distressed by what they described as a lack of information about the investigation.

"Throughout this process, communication from the police has been virtually non-existent since the very early stages of the investigation," they said.

"We have received little to no updates and, heartbreakingly, were not even informed that the case had been closed.

"We discovered this through social media and newspaper reports, which has only added to our distress."

The force reiterated that Hart's next of kin were updated throughout the investigation and informed of the CPS decision.

The family said they remained determined to find answers about the circumstances surrounding his death.

"As a family, we are left feeling shocked, hurt and deeply let down.

"We are grieving, we are struggling, and we are still desperately seeking answers.

"All we have ever wanted is to understand what happened to our loved one and to see that his death has been properly investigated."

West Mercia Police said: "We continue to express our condolences to Paul's loved ones, and we hope they can begin to find some closure when the coroner's inquest begins."

Hart was previously described as a "legend of a man" and was known for running Legacy Moto, a club for bikers in Worcestershire.

Anne Cherry, deputy mayor of Malvern and a close friend of Hart, said the decision was upsetting for those who knew him.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.