Murder investigation after 'deliberate' house fire

A cordon remains at the scene in Highters Heath, Birmingham

A man has died following what police believe to be a "deliberate" house fire at a property in the West Midlands.

Emergency services were called to a house on Saxons Way, Highters Heath, in Birmingham shortly before 01:10 BST on Friday.

A man in his 30s was found seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment, said West Midlands Police.

He died a short time later, prompting a murder investigation, the force added.

"Our investigation is at an early stage as we work to establish exactly what happened, but at this stage we believe the fire was started deliberately," said a police spokesperson.

"Officers remain at the scene, and we would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us."

A woman from a neighbouring property was also led to safety, said the fire service, but the fire was contained to one home.

The patient was found in a critical condition, said West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Paramedics "immediately began administering advanced life support, which continued whilst the patient was conveyed to hospital under emergency driving conditions," said a spokeswoman.