Murder team now believe towpath death was accidental

Murder inquiry detectives investigating the death of a man found on a towpath now believe it was accidental.

Robert Brown was discovered by a member of the public beside the River Nene, between Wathen Wigg Bridge and Beckets Bridge, in Northampton on 1 August 2025.

Northamptonshire Police said a "thorough investigation" had taken place and officers had concluded it was likely the 57-year-old's injury had been "unintentionally self-inflicted".

The case has now been referred to the coroner, who will open an inquest at a later date.

A post-mortem examination on 2 August 2025 found Brown had suffered an arm wound.

Det Insp Torie Harrison, who led the investigation, added: "We have reviewed the extensive amount of information gathered as part of the investigation, including all forensic submissions, and can confirm the evidence does not support the hypothesis that his death was a homicide."

Three men were arrested in connection with the death last year and were released on bail while investigations continued.

All three have now been released with no further action being taken against them.

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