Mystery over death of man at flats

Mystery surrounds the death of a man who was found lying dead outside a block of flats in Smethwick.

Residents living near Birchcroft Flats in Smethwick said they believed he had plunged from the 10th floor.

Ambulance crews were called to Windmill Lane shortly before 1.30pm yesterday to reports of a man lying unconscious in the road outside the flats.

He had suffered serious injuries to his arm and legs in the incident and was treated at the scene by an off-duty nurse.

Police taped off the scene to carry out their investigations. He was taken to City Hospital where he was treated for his injuries but later died. Today police said the man was aged 52 and lived in Edgbaston.

Police spokeswoman Joanne Hunt said: "Inquiries are ongoing but it is not being treated as suspicious."

West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman Claire Thomas said: "The responder paramedic arrived to find the man lying in the road being cared for by an off-duty nurse.

"The man had suffered injuries to one arm and both legs and was in cardiac arrest.

"Unfortunately despite the efforts of crews and medics nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the hospital."

Today residents have spoken of their shock following the tragedy. Student Alda Shabani, aged 18, lives opposite the flats.

"When I heard that somebody had fallen out of the flats, I was just shocked," she said.

"It is a real tragedy and my thoughts go out to the family.

"Some people have said he fell from the tenth floor and it does not bear thinking about."

Her mother Hamide Shabani, aged 41, added: "I am really sorry for this person.

"I do not know whether he jumped or fell, but it a sad, sad situation."

Another resident who lives in the flats but did not wish to be named said: "I was shopping and then I came back to find the police cordon.

"All I have heard is that somebody has fallen out of the flats. It is really sad news but unfortunately nobody seems clear on the exact circumstances of what happened."