MURDER squad detectives today named the man beaten to death by a gang on a Birmingham street as Brian Peters.

The 57-year-old single man, from West Heath, suffered severe chest and head injuries in the attack early on Saturday and later died in hospital.

Patrols have been stepped up around the murder scene in Wychall Road, Northfield, as officers try to piece together a motive for his murder.

Detectives are investigating reports Mr Peters could have been hit with bottles from a nearby recycling bank however they have not yet determined the exact cause of his death.

Four men, aged 16 to 22, and three women aged from 17 to 19, were today still being questioned over the murder at police stations across Birmingham.

Two other men, both aged 18 and from Northfield, were released on bail yesterday.

Mr Peters’ family identified his body yesterday afternoon and were today being supported by specially trained police family liaison officers.

Det Chief Insp Ryan Howat, from Bournville Lane CID, said: “We are working closely with Brian’s family at this most difficult time.

“Thanks to some prompt work by officers a number of arrests were made almost immediately.