Fatal building collapse inquiry

Police believe they know the identity of the dead man

Structural engineers are investigating why a Black Country building collapsed, killing a man inside.

The roof of the building in High Street, West Bromwich, caved in early on Wednesday, causing flats to fall into the estate agents office below.

The body of the man in his 30s was discovered inside. Two men had been rescued by firefighters while another two men made their own way out.

Police said it was too early to say if there were suspicious circumstances.

The dead man's body, which was located by sniffer dogs, was removed from the wreckage of the building on Wednesday evening.

Det Ch Insp Danny Long, of West Midlands Police, said officers believed they knew who the dead man was and had contacted his family.

Leg injury

A formal identification and post-mortem examination has not yet taken place.

The two men who were rescued from the building were taken to hospital.

One suffered minor injuries and was later discharged while the other is still receiving treatment for a leg injury.

Cordons remained in place on Thursday but pedestrians were able to use the pavement on the opposite side of the street.

High Street was closed between Shaftesbury Street and John Street.

Anyone who was in the area between midnight and 0100 BST on Wednesday has been urged to contact police.