Murder probe launched after man found in Northfield dies

Buy photos » David with his dad Pete. Picture supplied by West Midlands Police. s

A MURDER enquiry has been launched after a man who suffered a suspected fall from a walkaway in Northfield has died.

Gym owner David Hickman, 38 and was found beneath the two-storey suspended gangway leading to Dark Arts Gym on the Bristol Road on the July 9.

Passers-by tended to him before an ambulance took him to hosipital, suffering from severe head and spinal injuries.

He died two nearly two weeks later on Saturday (July 21).

His family have since paid tribute to him.

In a joint statement they said: "David was a loving son, brother and father.

"He loved and supported his mum, dad and brothers, helping many more. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends and never forgotton."

His brother Luke said: “David was not only my brother but my best friend.

"We were always in each other’s pockets and did everything together.

"I can’t imagine a better brother or better man to have in our lives.”

David is survived by his wife Windy his daughter, 16, and his step-son.

A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody on suspicion of murder and a 48-year-old man, also from Northfield, has been charged with wounding in connection with the incident.

Police have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Det Con Paul Read from West Midlands Police CID said: "We continue to work hard to establish what happened in the moments leading up to the fall that has ultimately resulted in this man’s death.

"If we and his family are to understand what happened that night, we need those good Samaritans’ who fought to save his life to contact us."

Anyone with any information should call Det Con Read on 101 or Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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