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Murder probe launched after Smethwick pensioner death

A murder investigation has been launched after a pensioner was found dead at a house.

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A police tent and cordon remains in place outside the house in White Road, Smethwick

The 70-year-old man was discovered injured at a home in White Road, off Smethwick High Street, on Friday afternoon.

Police say he was found with 'unexplained injuries' at around 2.45pm.

He later died in hospital.

A post-mortem conducted on Saturday revealed he died as a result of blunt force injury.

West Midlands Police later launched an inquiry into his death.

A 50-year-old man was arrested at the house on Friday.

He remained in police custody on Sunday after police were granted an extension by magistrates in Birmingham to continue questioning the suspect on suspicion of murder.

Residents in the area expressed their shock at the man's death – with one person claiming they had been too scared to leave the house since his body was found.

The man was found injured at the house on Friday

Sk Kaur, 67, who lives on White Road, said: "It is so scary. I was coming home from a doctor’s appointment to see all the emergency services here, two ambulances and two police cars.

“I was asked if I knew anything but I had no idea – it is very scary to be so close to something like this.”

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I live a few doors away and it is the first time I have left the house since Friday, it’s so scary.

“It is weird to think this has happened on our doorstep, it puts the fear of god into you. I don’t like walking past now, it creeps me out.

“I would not wish death on anyone, so I hope whoever did it gets what is coming to them.

“The police told us we would be kept updated throughout, and we were told nothing, there has been a murder investigation on our road and they did not tell us.”

Another added: "It is crazy, absolutely unbelievable. We have had trouble on this street before but to have someone murdered so close isn’t normal.

“I suppose these kind of things happen everywhere nowadays but it is still strange to have it close to home.”

Anyone with information about the man's death that could help officers with their investigation, is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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