Detectives forced to wait to quiz Black Country murder suspect
A man arrested on suspicion of murder could be interviewed by police within weeks.
The 43-year-old was sectioned under the Mental Health Act after he was detained and is currently residing in a mental health hospital.
He was arrested after a 47-year-old man was found dead at Corngreaves Walk, Cradley Heath on November 13.
An inquest on Martin Briggs, the man who was found dead, opened yesterday.
Coroner Mr Zafar Siddique revealed the suspect would be assessed by doctors to see if he was well enough to be interviewed by detectives.
Custody
Speaking at Black Country Coroner's Court, detective constable Lisa McNally said: "We are trying to find out from the mental health doctor some time scales when or if (the suspect) will be released into custody and will be fit to be interviewed.
"They said we could potentially interview him at a mental health hospital but that is not suitable. He has to be relocated into custody."
Mr Siddique made a direction for arrangements to be made for the suspect to be interviewed within 21 days.
The 43-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of three separate assaults - which took place two days earlier - involving weapons, including a knife and metal bar. The incidents happened in Dingle Avenue, West Avenue and Poplar Close.
Martin Briggs inquest was adjourned for five weeks.
