As inquest opens into death of 19-year-old at Grays tower block, residents' concerns about safety remain unanswered by council. Councillor calls for action
By Nub News Reporter 17th Oct 2023
ON the day the inquest was opened and adjourned into the death of a young man killed during a raid on one of Grays' tower blocks a local councillor has again raised concerns about the buildings' security and called for immediate action from Thurrock Council.
The inquest into the death of 19-year-old Ashton Rowbotham opened this morning (Tuesday, 17 October) at Essex Coroners' Court in Chelmsford.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services called to the scene of a raid on a flat at George Crooks House, he died on the premises at 4.49am.
The inquest was told Mr Rowbotham was one of a number of people who entered the flat and he died after sustaining a stab wound to the neck.
In the wake of the incident a 21-year-old man, believed to be resident in the flat, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
In the days that followed a woman, 33, and two men, 31 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary.
All have since been released on bail conditions until Wednesday, 27 December while an investigation by Essex Police continues.
Today a statement from Essex Police said: "There is no update at this stage on this investigation."
Cllr Martin Kerin, is a Labour councillor for Grays Riverside, where six blocks of flats, including George Crooks House, are being renovated in a project that has been botched, overspent and much-delayed.
He has reiterated tower block residents' safety concerns following a spike in antisocial behaviour, saying it is increasing exponentially.
He told Thurrock Nub News: "I was shocked to see how easy it is for those intent on disturbing local people to access the scaffolding on the blocks. Quite frankly, people do not feel safe.
"Residents of Lionel Oxley House have had the Boxing Day fire, then the mould, and now this. Residents in George Crooks house have gone through this latest traumatic incident.
"If there is no sign of when the scaffolding will be gone, the least they expect is for the perimeter to be secured.
"It's time for all involved in the refurbishment of the tower blocks to come together, and ensure that my residents feel safe."
Thurrock Nub News has twice contacted Thurrock Council in a bid to find out what its plans are for the continuance of works, what is going to happen to the scaffolding and what it has done to help and assist residents during recent events.
The only response received, on the day of the incident, was: "Thurrock Council is aware that there has been an incident in New Road, Grays. The council is cooperating with Essex Police as they carry out their enquiries."
Further inquiries have been met with silence despite the publication of this story on Sunday, 8 October highlighting public concern. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/anger-and-concern-rises-over-authoritys-continued-apathy-and-apparent-lack-of-interest-in-grays-tower-blocks-problem-councillor-says-lack-of-answers-from-thurrock-council-is-frustrating-and-unacceptable-202848
Meanwhile police continue to investigate the incident and have asked anyone with information to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding said: "This has been a fast-moving investigation, with four arrests, and we will continue to work at pace to identify the circumstances that lead to this man's death.
"I would continue to encourage anyone with information to come forward to officers who are supporting the community with high-visibility patrols today and speak to us.
"Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help our investigation is asked to get in touch using our dedicated online portal.
"It can be accessed here https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020123Q73-PO1."
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