Body of man found in workers' hole

The body of a 64-year-old man has been found in a hole dug by electricity workers in West Bromwich.

The man's body was discovered in Stoney Lane and police have described the death as "unexplained" launching a full investigation.

The body was discovered by passers by in a hole excavated by electricity workers close to a footbridge over the A41 Expressway just after 11.30pm on Friday night.

Police officers called to the scene attempted to resuscitate him while waiting for the ambulance. However he was pronounced dead at hospital.

A post mortem has been carried out but proved inconclusive. Further tests will now be conducted. The man has not yet been named.

Detectives in charge of the investigation are appealing for people seen in the area at the time to come forward.

Detective Inspector Derek Packham, who is leading the investigation said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time the man's body was discovered to get in touch.

"We are particularly keen to hear from a man and a woman who were near the A41 footbridge and who helped another witness call 999 for assistance.

"We would also like to hear from two young men who were in the area.

"These four are not suspects, but may have important information which may explain what happened."

A forensics tent and a police cordon were set up around the scene but were removed on Sunday.

One resident of Stoney Lane, who did not wish to be named, said: "The police have been round all the homes asking people what they were doing on Friday night, but we haven't been given any information on who this man is or what has happened to him.

"I know that there was a hole there being dug by workmen close to the footbridge, but no more than that.

"Police have been here all weekend and we haven't been told when the cordon will come down or when the footbridge will reopen."

Witnesses can call West Midlands Police on 0345 1135000.