West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation after a post mortem examination on a body found in a Birmingham canal revealed the man had suffered significant facial injuries.
A man’s body was pulled from the water near Masshouse Lane in Kings Norton, at 8.40am on Saturday (15/02).
The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Darren Round who lived in the local area.
A post mortem completed this morning revealed Mr Round suffered facial injuries consistent with an assault before entering the water.
Homicide detectives have now taken over the investigation.
Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Masshouse Lane and Shannon Road area of Kings Norton – or walking on the canal towpath – from 7.30pm on Friday night and 8.40am the following morning to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths, said: “Darren was wearing a blue coat and a rucksack. If anyone saw him or anyone else on the towpath on Friday night into Saturday morning I need them to get in touch.
“We need to understand Darren’s movements from 7.30pm when he left home to when his body was tragically found in the canal.
“If you were in the area and saw anything suspicious please make contact.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
