Death of Northampton man Robert Brown no longer being treated as murder as police say injury 'likely unintentionally self-inflicted'
The death of Northampton man, Robert Brown, is no longer being treated as murder.
Officers have concluded the injury sustained by the 57-year-old on Friday August 1, 2025 is “likely have have been unintentionally self-inflicted”.
Robert was found fatally injured on a bench on the towpath behind Auctioneers Court, Northampton, at about 6.30am and due to the nature of his death and an injury he sustained, a murder investigation was launched, led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Major Crime team.
After many appeals for witnesses, several searches of the River Nene and the arrest of three men, following receipt of all forensic analysis, Northamptonshire Police has reached a non-suspicious conclusion.
Detective Chief Inspector Torie Harrison, who led the investigation, said: “An investigation into Robert’s death was launched shortly after his body was discovered in August.
“It is right that any such incident is treated with the utmost seriousness, to make sure we have followed all lines of enquiry to understand what happened and get the answers those left behind need.
“We have reviewed the extensive amount of information gathered as part of the investigation, including all forensic submissions, and can confirm the evidence does not support the hypothesis that his death was a homicide.
“This outcome has been shared with Robert’s family and a file is now being prepared for the coroner, who will hold an inquest.”
The three men were arrested in connection with Robert’s death and released on bail. All three have now been released with no further action.