Birmingham robbery shooting: Murder investigation launched after bungled raid

Police in Birmingham have launched a murder investigation after Akhtar Javeed was shot dead during a bungled robbery attempt on soft drinks distributor Direct Source 3.

Officers were called to a unit at 66 Rea Street South, just before 6.40pm on 3 February, after receiving reports that several masked men were robbing the premises. Response officers were immediately dispatched to the scene and found Javeed , who was in his 50s, with a gunshot wound.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics but was pronounced dead a short time later. A forensic post-mortem examination is being arranged. Officers believe that two men were involved and enquiries are ongoing to identify the culprits.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, from Force CID, said: "At this early stage we believe this was a targeted robbery attempt at the business premises in Rea Street South, near to the junction with MacDonald Street.

"It happened at a time when other people may have been leaving work for the day and someone may have seen what happened or have important information about the suspects. If you have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch as soon as possible."

Any witnesses should contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.