Death probe police search for cricketer lookalike

Oct 27 2007 icWales

A taxi driver who looks like England cricketer Monty Panesar could hold vital information about the murder of a 21-year-old man who died after a street attack, police said today.

It is believed the taxi driver picked up the suspect on the night Christopher Jones was attacked in Cardiff city centre.

Officers have also previously released information that the suspect is thought to bear a resemblance to England footballer Wayne Rooney.

Mr Jones, from the Marshfield area of Cardiff, died in hospital on Sunday, nearly a week after he suffered a serious head injury in the incident.

South Wales Police arrested a 23-year-old local man on suspicion of murder on Friday, but he was released earlier today on police bail.

Detective Inspector Richie Jones said: “New information has been given to us which I hope will assist my team in tracing the taxi driver.

“He was driving an official Cardiff black and white saloon cab and he is of Asian appearance, believed to have a full beard, and he bears a resemblance to the England cricketer Monty Panesar.”

Police believe that Mr Jones and two friends rowed with another man in St Mary Street sometime between 4am and 5.30am on October 14.

Witnesses have told police that Mr Jones and his friends repeatedly called out the name ’Rooney’ as the suspect got into a taxi.

It is believed they thought the suspect resembled footballer Wayne Rooney and police hope the taxi driver heard this chanting and will recognise the incident.

The suspect returned to the area a short time later.

Detective Inspector Jones said: “Christopher’s death is a tragedy for all those who knew him.

“He was a young man who had his life ahead of him and we are still appealing for the taxi driver – as well as any other witnesses – to come forward and tell us what they saw, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 02920 571530 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.