Murder investigation launched as Dudley shooting victim dies in hospital

The 39-year-old man was taken to hospital in a critical condition after being shot in Queens Cross, Dudley, just after 12.35am on Sunday.

The man, who is yet to be officially named, has now died from his injuries, West Midlands Police confirmed.

A murder investigation has been launched but so far no suspects have been arrested over the shooting.

Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, who is leading the investigation, said: "A man has lost his life and this is a deeply distressing time for his family and friends.

"We will be working round the clock to establish who was responsible for this tragic death, and try to understand why it happened.

"I would urge anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible."

The stretch of Queens Cross around where the shooting happened remained cordoned off on Monday morning as police search teams continued to scour the area.

Officers are examining CCTV and carrying out other enquiries in an attempt to establish who was behind the killings, while police patrols have also been stepped up in the areas.

The man's family are being supported by specialist police officers.

A post-mortem is due to take place in the coming days.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a shooting in Queens Cross in Dudley at 0.36am on Sunday morning.

"An ambulance, two paramedic officers, the West Midlands CARE Team medics and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

"On arrival crews found a man in a critical condition and administered advanced trauma care on scene before he was conveyed on blue lights and sirens to hospital. Treatment continued en route to hospital by medics.

Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting reference number 20DY/28354Z/21.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.