Inspectors visit 'carbon monoxide' tragedy takeaway

An electricity generator is understood to be at the centre of the investigation

Health and safety inspectors have visited the site of a takeaway where a man is believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

An investigation is under way at Timmy's in Cresswell Crescent, Bloxwich, following the tragedy last Friday night which is believed to have been caused by a generator.

A man in his 50s was confirmed dead, with seven others, including emergency service workers, treated at the scene and at hospital.

Residents also had to be evacuated for several hours while the scene was made safe. Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are running a joint investigation to determine what happened.

Timmy's had not yet opened to the public and the unit had been empty for about 18 months.

Signs on the windows show the business had been looking for staff.

One woman told the BBC little was known about who was going to be operating the business.

"It changed hands because it was a burger bar previously but it's never actually been opened, nobody's ever seen anything," she said.

"It's heartbreaking that somebody's lost a life here," she added.

Shocked witnesses said they had seen medics trying to save the man's life as emergency services flooded the scene.

Next steps

Walsall councillor Michael Coulson previously said he had spoken with three men who were at the shop on Friday while he was litter picking in the area.

It is thought a generator being used on the evening did not get enough ventilation.

A HSE spokesperson said: "We have attended the site and are working with other agencies to determine next steps."

West Midlands Police said it was working to establish the full circumstances.