A murder investigation was launched today after a middle-aged man died when violence flared in a residential street in Wolverhampton.

The victim, in his 50s, died in New Cross Hospital after being found lying injured in Wednesfield. A 20-year-old man was today under arrest after the tragedy in Wood End Road at 9.10 last night.

A white forensic tent has today been set up outside the front of a house, while police tape cordoned off a stretch of the street including a bus stop as 0officers stood guard.

One man, who asked not to be named, said he knew the victim as Steve, adding: “He always comes in the Cross Guns pub down the road and he was in there last night at around 6.30pm having a few to drink.

“He kept on saying that he needed to get home to see his other half because he was late.”

Aubrey Hammond, aged 73, who lives directly opposite the crime scene, said: “This is an absolute tragedy. I was in my living room last night on the phone and I heard this huge commotion outside.

“I came out and there was an ambulance and police everywhere and lots of people crowding around.”

Neighbour Lisa Williams, aged 19, said: “I looked out and saw this man on the floor and lots of people standing around him screaming.

“Before you know it the police and ambulance was here and everyone was talking about what had happened and saying he was dead. It’s really sad.”

Phil Bateman, a former ward councillor for the area, said: “It’s a very community-minded area – very close-knit and stable.

“Lots of generations of families live there and they will be horrified at the thought of something as violent as that taking place within the community.”

Anyone with information has been asked to contact detectives at Wednesfield on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.