M25 death for chief suspect in Oxford 'murder' probe

The man, who has not been named, was the only suspect still under investigation out of four originally arrested in connection with the death of 63-year-old Conrad Welch.

A police spokesman said: “Thames Valley Police is investigating the circumstances of Mr Welch’s death on behalf of the coroner. A file will be prepared and an inquest will take place in due course.”

‘Loving’ father Conrad Welch died in hospital on June 19, 2021, eight days after he was knocked to the ground in Ship Street.

* Sign up to the Oxford Mail online for just £3 for 3 months in our latest flash sale offer. Find out more here * 

At the time, police said the man had got into a ‘disagreement’ with two other men on the S3 bus, after he got on at a Woodstock Road stop at around 10.30pm on June 11.

The argument continued after they alighted the vehicle in Magdalen Street at around 10.45pm.

READ MORE: Suspects in 'one punch murder' released without charge

Four men were initially arrested on suspicion of murder, all in their teens or early 20s and all from Oxfordshire. They were all released on police bail.

Of the four, three were released without charge in January this year. A fourth man, 20, remained on police bail and was due to return to the police station to answer bail in March.

The police said that this outstanding suspect, who has not been named, died on May 26 after a road traffic collision on the M25 on May 22. Surrey Police was said to be investigating the fatal crash.

A Thames Valley spokesman said: “Mr Welch’s family have been updated and they continue to be supported by our officers. Our thoughts remain with them, through what has been a very difficult time for them.”

In a tribute released in the weeks after Mr Welch’s death in 2021, his family said they were ‘devastated and heartbroken’ by his ‘shocking’ loss.

READ MORE: Appeal for witnesses after Ship Street death

“We do not know how the family is going to get over this,” they said in a statement released by the police.

“He was a very loving, caring, responsible father, grandad, brother, uncle to many, who would go the extra mile to help others; especially family and friends.

“We never got the chance to say goodbye; unspoken words you’ve left behind, undone things we’ll never do, no sharing thoughts you never knew.”

They added: “We know you will be safe with mum, dad and your two older sisters, and although gone you will never be forgotten. We promise to cherish our memories of you.”

Click here to sign up to the Crime and Court newsletter (Image: Newsquest)