Cab driver dies after being found injured in Hopwood
POLICE were today investigating the death of a cab driver found fatally injured on a roadside amid unconfirmed reports his vehicle had been stolen.
At least two suspected crime scenes were sealed off after the dying man was found in Wast Hills Lane, Hopwood, on the border of Birmingham and Worcestershire.
West Mercia Police confirmed he was a cab driver aged in his 30s and from the West Midlands.
The force said his death was being treated as “unexplained” but refused to give more details. But sources said he was fatally injured in an incident in which his cab was stolen.
A force spokesman said: “I can confirm we are investigating the unexplained death of a man. We will not be releasing any further information about the man’s injuries at this stage.”
Paramedics were sent to Wast Hills Lane at 8.50pm yesterday and found the cab driver lying at the side of the road with serious injuries.
He was pronounced dead at Selly Oak Hospital.
A white tent was today in place at the side of Wast Hills Lane, which is lined with gated country residences and farms.
The West Midlands and West Mercia forces said they were dealing with a number of crime scenes, including another in nearby Shannon Road.
Residents said Wast Hills Lane was a quiet road.
Andrea McKnight, aged 42, said: “It’s a very quiet road, people do use it as a bit of a rat run during rush hour but mostly it’s just people walking their dogs.
“I had heard it’s about of a lovers lane and you do see cars parked up there at the top late at night but it’s their business what they’re up to.”
Carpenter Paul Murphy, aged 46, of West Heath, said: “It’s used as a rat run, you can hear the cars roar.”
