A newsagent was found dead today on one of Walsall’s busiest roads after apparently being run over by a hit-and-run driver while delivering papers.

The body of the man, named locally as Mushtaq Surti, was discovered in Broadway West near the junction with West Bromwich Road at 5.49am close to the shop he ran with his cousin.

A white police tent today marked the spot where he was found.

Believed to be in his 60s, he ran Surti News on Broadway West and was often seen delivering the papers in the morning and evening. The shop was closed today.

Inspector Jan Leggett, of Walsall Police, said: “At the moment we are still trying to establish what has happened and are looking at a number of theories.

“These include the possibility that he was the victim of a hit-and-run. It is a very busy road and the weather this morning was atrocious and it would also have been dark.”

She said police were contacted following a call from a member of the public. Mr Surti was pronounced dead at the scene.

Express & Star sales representative Mike Arnold worked with Mr Surti for a number of years. 

He said: “He was a nice man who was well liked and respected in the community and this is shocking news.

“He regularly delivered the morning and evening newspapers himself and was known by a number of people.”

Broadway West was expected to remain closed to motorists between Broadwalk Retail Park and West Bromwich Road until this afternoon while police continued their investigations.

The road closure caused traffic problems for people living and working in the area.

Walsall Police are appealing for anyone with information to ring 0845 113 5000.