A murder investigation was launched today after a man’s body was discovered in West Bromwich town centre. A man, 27, was this afternoon in police custody.

The local man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, is being questioned.

The body of a 31-year-old man was found outside a house in Lodge Road at 10am on Saturday.

The victim was found with injuries across his body but a post mortem into the exact cause of death is yet to take place. His death is not believed to be the result of a shooting or stabbing.

A policeman was this afternoon standing guard outside the house, which is just a stone’s throw from Lodge Primary School. The scene is also next to the town hall, magistrates court and town centre tram stop.

Neighbours were too distressed to talk to the Express & Star today.

West Midlands Police spokesman Steve Garey said: “The detained man remains in custody where he is being questioned by officers.

“An investigation was immediately launched by detectives from West Bromwich Police Station and the scene has been cordoned off for forensic examination.”

The victim is believed to have lived locally but is yet to be formally identified.