“The response from the local community has also been very encouraging. A number of witnesses have come forward and are helping us piece together exactly what happened.”

Mr Peters, who had no children and was unemployed, was attacked on scrubland close to a parade of shops, near to Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, at about 1.30am.

Eye-witnesses said they heard one of the group pleading with the others to stop the attack.

The fatally-injured victim is thought to have staggered away and slumped against shop shutters where he was helped by a passer-by. He was taken to hospital but died at about 8am.

A post-mortem revealed extensive head and body injuries but police are waiting the results of further tests.

West Midlands Police have dismissed reports Mr Peters was attacked because he refused to give the gang a cigarette.

Detectives are questioning four men, a 22-year-old from Longbridge, two aged 19 from Rednal and Maypole, and a 16-year-old from Northfield.

Three women, a 19-year-old from Longbridge, and two 17-year-olds from West Heath and Selly Oak are also being held.

An incident room has been set up at Bournville Lane police and can be contacted on 0845 113 5000.