Appeal to trace further witnesses following Smethwick alleyway murder
Police investigating a murder in Smethwick are appealing to trace more potential witnesses after the victim died from a serious head injury sustained in an alleyway attack.
Jagdev Lally was rushed to hospital after a passer-by found him collapsed off the High Street at around 9am on Tuesday, April 14.
Officers believe the 39-year-old was attacked at approximately 3am and suffered significant head and facial injuries. He died in hospital almost three weeks later, on Friday, May 1.
Ashley Pace was previously charged with wounding and the 34-year-old, of no fixed address, was remanded by the courts. The charge has since been reviewed and changed to murder.
West Midlands Police previously launched an appeal to trace a witness, but unfortunately that person is yet to come forward. On Friday, they launched a new appeal to trace him – as well as a further six potential witnesses.
A spokesman for the force said: "If you recognise any of these people, or were in the area at the time, please get in touch.
"The images have been taken from CCTV cameras covering the Tollgate shopping precinct in the hours before Jagdev was found.
"We understand the images are grainy, but if you recognise any of these people, or were around the area at the time, we are urging you to contact us.
"It’s really important that we speak to these seven individuals to find out what they know. It might be nothing, but it’s still a vital part of our investigation."
Anyone with information, or who recognises the people pictured, are asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 4039 of April 20.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
