First picture of canal death man released as police launch re-appeal
Police investigating the murder of a man found in a canal today released his picture as they re-appealed for information.
Michael Spalding's body was recovered from the canal off Icknield Port Road in Ladywood on May 12 and two people from Smethwick have been charged with murder.
Detectives are particularly appealing for anyone who may have seen or know of any suspicious activity around Pope Bridge in Bridge Street North – including anyone throwing items into the water or any suspicious cars in the area since the beginning of April until the body was found.
Mr Spalding, known to family and friends as 'Spud', was a painter and decorator and detectives are keen to trace anyone who he may have done odd jobs for during April and early May.
Lorenzo Joshua Simon aged 33, from Oxford Road, Smethwick and Michelle Bird, aged 34, from the same address, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court last Thursday charged with murder.
Detective Inspector Harry Harrison, who is leading the investigation, said: "Inquiries are ongoing and I am still keen to hear from anyone who had contact with Mr Spalding any time during the last month.
"If there is anyone who knows anything about what happened and has not yet spoken to police, I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible."
Anyone with information should contact Force CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
