NEIGHBOURS tried in vain to save a man’s life after an apparent stabbing incident in Mapplewell.
The 31-year-old, named by South Yorkshire Police as William Repton, died from a chest wound he sustained during an incident on Braithwaite Street at around 10pm on June 28.
Neighbours told the Chronicle they heard screams believed to be from his wife, Sarah, before rushing to the couple’s end-terrace home.
One said: “There’s been a lot of rumours circulating this week but they just aren’t true from what I saw on the night. Like everything when there’s a death, people speculate before knowing facts.
“I heard screaming so I went to see if I could help, as anyone would. Before that, I didn’t hear any argument, just the screams.
“What I saw was Will laying on the floor in his house. Those of us who were there first tried to do everything we could to save him.
“He kept himself to himself but lived in the house with Sarah and their two daughters - a nice family who caused no issues. It’s tragic as they were there when the incident happened. They’ve been left without a husband and a dad so my heart goes out to them.”
A murder investigation was initially launched by South Yorkshire Police last Friday, which resulted in a 31-year-old woman being arrested on suspicion of murder.
However, she was released and no further action is being taken by police, who say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
A spokesman from South Yorkshire Police said: “At around 10.15pm on June 28, emergency services were called to the address after receiving reports a man was in a critical condition from suspected stab wounds.
“The 31-year-old who has now been formally named as William Repton, was taken to hospital but pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
“A post mortem examination has concluded he died as a result of a single stab wound to the chest. The investigation remains ongoing and at this time officers are not looking to identify anyone else in connection with the incident.”
Braithwaite Street was cordoned off for around 24 hours by police while forensic teams scoured the area.
Det Ch Insp Steve Whittaker added: “Following the post mortem examination and detailed enquiries carried out as part of the investigation, we are now confident there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Repton.
“The 31-year-old woman, initially arrested at the time on suspicion of murder in connection to his death, has been released with no further action to be taken.
“Our priority in any incident is to determine exactly what happened as quickly as possible, by gathering information to ascertain the specific circumstances and establishing all the facts.
“A file is now being prepared for the coroner and we are not looking for anyone else in connection to Mr Repton’s death.”
