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A murder probe has been launched after a man was knifed to death outside a Smethwick shop.

The 31-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene after being stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street, Smethwick, at around 4.30pm this afternoon (April 26).

Detectives from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit are currently at the scene carrying out quick-time enquiries in a bid to understand what happened and who is responsible.

A spokesman for the force said: "We have launched a murder investigation after a 31-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Smethwick earlier today.

"Officers were called after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm.

"He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board.

"Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we’re working to establish the circumstances around his death.

"We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch.

"This can be extremely distressing for family and friends. However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage, we'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue.

Saeed Shamedami, owner of Formula One Pizza, said the drama unfolded following an altercation outside his store.

"There were two groups of men arguing just outside the store," he told BlackCountryLive. "And when I got outside one of them was lying on the ground - he had blood pouring from his chest.

"I rang the ambulance straight away but it took 20 minutes for them to arrive."

Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 2681 26/4.