Police launch Wolverhampton murder probe

A murder investigation was launched today after a man's body was discovered in a derelict house in Wolverhampton.

Crime scene specialists and forensic experts were this afternoon combing land near to the former New Cleveland Club in All Saints after the body was discovered in an adjacent boarded-up property.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures from the scene.

Detectives probing the death confirmed the 40-year-old victim had been assaulted but have not yet revealed exactly how he died.

A 32-year-old has been arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.

The property where the body was discovered remains sealed off while the car park at the back of the club, which is on the corner of Hospital Street and Cleveland Road, has also been cordoned off by officers.

Det Ch Insp Andy Bullman, from West Midlands Police's Force CID, said: "We are still in the very early stages of this investigation and are yet to fully establish the circumstances leading up to this man's death and exactly how he died.

"I am appealing for witnesses and am keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have information which could assist this investigation."

Police found the body at about 7.35am today after receiving information that a man had been assaulted.

A post mortem will take take place in due course to establish the cause of death.

All Saints councillor Sandra Samuels said the discovery was "tragic". She added: "This is very sad and absolutely shocking. My thoughts are with the family of this poor person.

"Whoever it is, they don't deserve to have their life ended in such a way.

"All Saints has its problems but this is not the sort of problem you associate with the area and it isn't the sort of thing that has happened in the past. It isn't the sort of thing you expect to happen in All Saints. I hope the police catch whoever is responsible and we will do all we can to assist them."

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.