'Webcam' man found dead after tip-off

Police have found a man's body after a tip-off from an internet user that he appeared to self-harm while using a messaging service.

The body of 42-year-old Kevin Neil Whitrick was discovered at a property in Orleton Lane, Wellington, Telford, at about 11.15pm after police forced their way in.

West Mercia Police said he was found dead after another internet user dialled 999 as Mr Whitrick had appeared to self-harm while using a messaging service late on Wednesday.

A spokesman said: "Police were alerted to the incident by colleagues from West Midlands Police but despite attempts to resuscitate Mr Whitrick, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"An investigation into all the circumstances surrounding his death has been launched and police can now confirm that Mr Whitrick was using a webcam in an internet chat room at the time of his death."

No one else is being sought in connection with the death, which is being officially treated as unexplained.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Groves, who is leading the investigation, added: "Our enquiries to date have revealed that Mr Whitrick was using a chat room with a number of other people at the time of his death.

"We are liaising with the internet service provider to contact other users who were online at the time of this incident and who may have information that could assist our enquiries.

"We are also working to ensure that witness support facilities are available to those who may have been affected by what they saw."

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