A man was found in a car in Birmingham today with his hands bound and "canisters" surrounding his body.

West Midlands Police said the man was spotted by a passing lorry driver on a road in an industrial area of Birmingham at about 10.20 this morning.

Police, fire crews, an Army bomb disposal team and trained negotiators were called to the scene in Saltley.

Chief Superintendent Tom Coughlan said it was unclear whether the man was there of his own accord or if he was a victim of a crime.  He said it was also not clear yet whether he was conscious.

A 500-metre police cordon was put up around the area and nearby factories were evacuated.

Chief Supt Coughlan said: "Inside the vehicle his hands seem to be bound and his body seems to be surrounded by what is being referred to at the moment as a number of canisters."

The two-door car was parked on the junction of Clarel Avenue and Landor Street. The man was positioned in the front of the car with about half a dozen beer-sized gas canisters around his abdomen, police said.

When asked if the canisters were thought to be explosives, Chief Supt Coughlan said it was not yet known.

He said: "We do not know what we are dealing with at this stage.  We are unsure whether this man is conscious or unconscious.  This man has yet to be identified