POLICE have released two men on bail after arresting them last week in relation to a Worcestershire murder investigation.

The victim, Neil Parkinson, 66, was pronounced dead at the scene in a layby in the village on the A44 between Bromyard and Worcester.

He was found dead in a burnt out BMW.

Here is what we know so far: 

  • On Saturday December 12 police were called to reports of a vehicle fire in Cotheridge, Worcestershire.
  • A man in his 60s, was found in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
  • On Sunday December 13 a 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at this time.
  • On Monday December 14 police closed a lay by in Ankerdine Road to preserve the scene.
  • On Tuesday December 15 police arrested a 27 year old man on suspicion of murder and confirmed the 51 year old man remained in custody and was 'helping with enquiries.'
  • Detective Chief Inspector Mark Peters, said: “This is clearly a very serious and tragic incident that has seen a man lose his life and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time."
  • On Wednesday December 16 police charged 51-year-old Mark Chilman from Pencombe, Bromyard with murder. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old remained in custody.
  • Chilman appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates on Thursday December 17, charged with the murder of a 60-year-old man in Cotheridge. Chilman, wearing a grey sweater, appeared unemotional throughout the hearing
  • Chilman, of Rainbow Street in Bromyard, was held in custody at HMP Hewell until his plea hearing at Worcester Crown Court on January 15.
  • Meanwhile the 27-year-old was released on bail.
  • On Wednesday December 23 police named the victim who was found in the burnt out BMW as 66 year old Neil Parkinson from Clifton-Upon-Teme.
  • Chilman appeared at Worcester Crown Court on January 15 where he pleaded not guilty to murder and stalking following the death of Mr Parkinson on December 12. The stalking charge states that Chilman pursued a course of conduct that amounted to the stalking of Juliet Adcock and caused serious alarm or distress to her and had 'a substantial adverse effect on her day to day activities'. The charge states that this involved Chilman sending her 'numerous messages threatening suicide if she refused to resume a relationship' and that he carried out 'observations of her activities and property'. This is alleged to have taken place between June 1 and December 12 last year.
  • The rest of the hearing was devoted to laying out stage dates including when the defendant must submit a defence statement. This must be provided by March 29.
  • Judge Burbidge remanded Chilman in custody until the next hearing.
  • On January 21 police made one further arrest and one re-arrest. 
  • A 30-year-old man from Wichenford, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder
  • It has also been revealed a 28 year-old man has been re-arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
  • On January 25 police said the two men had been bailed pending further enquiries.

We will bring you more on this shocking murder case as and when we get more information.