'Several' men identified by police after Reece Cox killed outside Black Country Wetherspoons

Reece Cox, aged 24, suffered fatal injuries outside the Clifton pub in Bull Ring, Sedgley, on Saturday night.

It is believed he may have been attacked after trying to intervene to help another man who was being beaten up outside the Wetherspoons pub just before midnight.

Now detectives from West Midlands Police have said they have identified several suspects – with calls for them to come forward.

Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, from the Homicide Unit, said: "We know who these men are and it’s only a matter of time before we make arrests. I’m urging them to get in touch, to come and speak to us, so we can hear their side of the story.

"We’re still working to understand what happened. It appears there was a dispute over something which quickly escalated with tragic consequences.

"Anyone found helping these men, providing them with accommodation, giving them money or helping them move around, is committing a criminal offence.

"A young man has lost his life and everyone should be rallying around to help find the people responsible and bring them to justice."

Arrest attempts have been made at addresses known to the men and efforts continue to bring them into custody, police have said.

Mr Cox was violently punched and kicked and, despite the efforts of paramedics, pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination was competed today, with further tests will be needed to identify the precise cause of death.

A tribute released on behalf of Mr Cox’s family said: "Reece was a great son, partner and dad; a gentle giant who was loved by everybody. We plead with anybody who knows who or where the offenders are to do the right thing and contact the police straight away."

Anyone with information can contact the force via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime number 20DY/194445N/20.