A murder inquiry has been launched after the death of a taxi driver who was found seriously injured at a roadside in Birmingham.

The victim, named as 36-year-old Mohammed Arshad, was found by a member of the public on a country lane, close to the Worcestershire border. His abandoned car was later discovered a mile away.

Police attended the scene just after 9pm on Wednesday and the man was given first aid by officers before paramedics arrived.

The victim, a father of three young sons whose wife is expecting their fourth child, was taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

Mr Arshad, who worked for taxi firm A Cars, died from his injuries, West Mercia Police said.

His 34-year-old wife, Shahida Hussain, was too upset to talk yesterday at the family home in Selly Oak, Birmingham. In a statement she called him a man “with a big heart who was always there for others”. She said: “For those close to him the brutal nature of his murder is impossible to comprehend.”

Wast Hills Lane in Hopwood near Alvechurch, next to the Birmingham City FC training ground, was blocked off throughout the morning yesterday with a forensics tent set up at the scene.

Det Supt Sheila Thornes said: “The victim’s vehicle is a blue Ford Galaxy people carrier which was found abandoned in Shannon Road, Birmingham, approximately one mile from where the man was found.

“The vehicle is being forensically examined. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Wasthill Lane area or the Shannon Road area between 8.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday or anyone who thinks they used a taxi fitting this description between the relevant times.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen this Ford Galaxy vehicle or its occupants during Wednesday evening.”

It is believed the man was the victim of a violent assault, but neither the police nor the ambulance service would comment on the precise nature of his injuries. Det Supt Thornes said: “There has been a lot of speculation about how this man came by his death and possible motives. At this early stage we are keeping an open mind.”

A major incident room has been set up at Redditch police station and house-to-house inquiries were continuing today. A post mortem was being carried out, police said.

Anyone with information is urged to call West Mercia Police at Redditch on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.