FOUR men are now in custody following the discovery of the body of a man near Nomansland Common in Wheathampstead on Friday evening.

Mohim Miah, 29, from St Albans, was pronounced dead at the scene in Ferrers Lane shortly before 6pm after reports that a man with serious injuries had been found in a lay-by.

The four men in custody are all from St Albans. They are two 27 year olds, a 30 year old and a 40 year old.

Det Chief Inspector Mark Ross of the Beds and Herts Major Crime Unit said: “A team of detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding Mohim’s death which is currently being treated as murder. Specialist family liaison officers are supporting his family and our sympathies are with them at this distressing time.

“We are looking at the possibility the victim did not receive his injuries in Wheathampstead and have reason to believe there were other incidents in St Albans which may be connected. I am asking for the public’s help in providing information about these incidents.”

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Ferrers Lane and saw or heard any suspicious activity between 5.15pm and 5.40pm on Friday.

They would also like to hear from anyone who saw or heard any suspicious activity in Newgate Close, Jersey Farm, St Albans, throughout the day on Friday or witnessed an altercation between three men in Spicer Street, St Albans, shortly after 8pm on Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01707 355798 or the Herts Police non emergency number 101.