A murder investigation has been launched after a guest fell three floors to his death at a Grade-II listed hotel recently visited by Princess Anne.
Emergency services rushed to the 17th century Hind Hotel in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, at 11.30pm on Sunday, following reports that a man in his 30s had fallen from a third-floor window onto the street below.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the man was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.30am on Monday.
A 34-year-old man, from Rushden, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
The three-star hotel, which dates back to the 1600’s, was visited by the Princess Royal back in February where she met volunteers from an anti-knife crime charity.
Ravaun Jones, from Off the Streets North Northamptonshire, gave her a demonstration of a bleed control kit and a knife amnesty bin.
Princess Anne also unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit to the hotel – which is used by the community group for their meetings.
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Major Crime team, is leading the murder investigation.
He said: ‘Although an arrest has been made, we would still like to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, in particularly anyone who was driving past the hotel and may have captured the incident on dash-com footage.
‘We would also like to hear from anyone who was walking in Sheep Street or any businesses in the local vicinity with CCTV footage, and who have yet to come forward, to please do so as a matter of urgency.
‘This is a complex and fast-moving investigation, and our team will be working around the clock to establish the full circumstances behind this man’s death.’
A forensic postmortem examination to establish a cause of death will take place at Leicester Royal Infirmary in due course.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson added: ‘A scene guard will remain place at the Hind Hotel as the investigation into this serious incident continues.
‘In addition to this, officers will also be in the local vicinity conducting enquiries and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to them.’
Witnesses, anyone with information or footage of the area at the time, is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 24000478458.
Alternatively, information can be submitted via an online portal or by calling Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.