DETECTIVES were today preparing to launch a murder inquiry as they continued to probe the “suspicious” death of a man in an upmarket suburb.

Police were called to a property in Woodbrooke Grove, on the outskirts of Bournville, after the body of the 53-year-old man was found inside.

A Home Office pathologist was yesterday afternoon carrying out a post-mortem examination in a bid to determine how the man had died.

Meanwhile, forensics specialists were continuing a painstaking search of the scene in the hunt for crucial evidence that could shed some light on how the man died.

A 19-year-old man was arrested as part of the inquiry but later bailed.

Detectives have so far been unable to determine any motive for the incident and officers were supporting the victim’s next of kin.

Det Insp Wayne Jones, from Force CID, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are still in the very early stages of this investigation.

“I would appeal to anyone in the area who may have heard any possible disturbance in the street, shouting or anything untoward to come forward.”

Two white tents were set up between a row of houses and a block of flats and uniformed officers were stationed around the estate and adjoining Manor Park.

Anyone with any information should call police on 0345 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.