UK: Police launch murder hunt after rotting body is found on property

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man's body was found in a property, where it may have been rotting for as long as a month.

The 65-year-old victim, who has not been formally identified, was named locally as Ron Smith.

A post-mortem examination yesterday revealed he died from multiple stab wounds.

His body was discovered at the property in West Bromwich, West Midlands after a member of the public reported concerns about his welfare.

The neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said: "On Tuesday afternoon I saw his back window was open and called the police. They sent a car round within about half an hour, they used ladders to get in through an upstairs window and found Ron lying at the bottom of the stairs. I didn't know Ron well. I just passed the time of day with him. He lived alone and kept himself to himself."

Detective Inspector Ian Iliffe, of West Midlands Police, said: "We know that this man was alive on May 5 and we would ask anyone who knows his movements from that date to contact us. It is possible that he may have been dead for up to four weeks but we are currently in the process of establishing the circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked to contact force CID on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.