Police launch murder inquiry after fatal shooting at Birmingham warehouse

DETECTIVES in Birmingham have launched a murder investigation after a man was shot dead during an attempted robbery at a warehouse in Digbeth.

The incident happened shortly after 6.30pm on Wednesday when police responded to calls of a robbery in progress at Direct Source 3 Ltd, 66 Rea Street South.

Witnesses reported seeing several masked men running from the premises.

Officers arriving at the scene found 56-year-old Akhtar Javeed who was lying on the floor having sustained a gunshot wound.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics but was pronounced dead a short time later. A forensic post mortem is being arranged.

Officers believe that two men were involved and West Midlands Police said enquiries were on-going to identify those responsible.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin said: “At this early stage we believe this was a targeted robbery attempt.

“It happened at a time when other people may have been leaving work for the day and someone may have seen what happened or have important information about the suspects.”

Any witnesses should contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

It is the second murder inquiry to be launched in the area this week, following the discovery of the body of a well-known local music producer in the boot of his car.

Tanveer Iqbal, 33, had been reported missing after not being seen since closing his shop – Hi-Tech Music, Shireland Road, Smethwick − on Sunday evening.

Enquiries led police to Portland Road in Edgbaston where Mr Iqbal’s body was found inside the boot of his Renault Clio at just before 2pm on Monday. His death is being treated as suspicious.

Detective Inspector Paul Joyce said: “We’re working around the clock to try and piece together events leading up to this man’s death.

“I am particularly keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen Mr Iqbal between closing his shop in Smethwick on Sunday night and the time he was discovered at lunchtime on Monday.”