Gunshot victim identified as Ricky Basra

A 22-year-old man who was shot dead in a Birmingham street late on Tuesday night was from the Black Country, detectives revealed today.

Ricky Basra, from Bilston, is suspected to have suffered a single gunshot wound to the body in the incident on Melville Road, Edgbaston.

A 20-year-old Walsall man is among three people who have been arrested in connection with the murder. They were today in custody being questioned.

Officers were called to the murder scene at 10.15pm on Tuesday following reports of a shooting incident.

Mr Basra was found lying in the street with a suspected gunshot wound to the body. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 22 year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, both from Sparkbrook, Birmingham, were also being questioned today.

Meanwhile, local neighbourhood policing officers were today stepping-up patrols in the area where the shooting happened.

Part of the area, which is off the Hagley Road and close to the border of Bearwood, remains cordoned off while forensic experts comb the area for clues.

Shabnam Zaida, 56, who lives on the road, said: "I heard a gun shot. I could tell it was not a fire work. It was a very loud bang. Then I heard a car skid and drive off very fast."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to ring 0345 113 5000