Birmingham shooting in Highgate leaves man dead as police launch murder probe
A MURDER probe has been launched after a man was gunned down at a party in Birmingham.
The victim was shot in the chest near to the historic Stratford House in Highgate - which was previously used as a sex club for swingers.
The man, aged in his 20s, managed to walk to paramedics who were treating another victim nearby at Belgrave Interchange at around 11pm last night.
He was rushed to hospital, but despite emergency treatment sadly died of his injuries this morning.
The victim, who was from Small Heath, Birmingham, has not yet been formally identified by police.
Officers taped off a large area outside the timber framed property and forensics were at the scene carrying out investigations.
Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, of West Midlands Police, said a murder enquiry had been launched and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
He added: "We understand the victim was in or near Stratford Place last night when he was shot.
"The details are unclear at this early stage and I would appeal to anyone who was at the location and may have heard and seen anything to get in touch."
Residents said a group of around 30 or 40 people had gathered on the area outside the property for a barbecue.
One said: "There was a big group of people and they were playing loud music and having a barbecue. They were just enjoying themselves having a bit of a party.
"My neighbour said people were running away from the scene. It’s really shocking. I didn't know anything had happened until this morning."
Another neighbour added: "I called the police about 10pm because there were about 30 or 40 of them having a barbecue and probably doing a video for Instagram.
"I popped my head round and they were jumping up and down videoing themselves.
"I could hear it. There was blowing out the speakers. I rang the police and they said no one had complained.
"I heard a loud bang which shook us all up. First I thought it was a car hitting another. You wouldn't expect someone to be shot. It's shocking."
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Stratford House was constructed in 1601 when Queen Elizabeth was on the throne and is officially classed as an ancient monument.
It was originally built for Ambrose Rotton and his wife Bridget and the couple's initials are even carved into the door head of the entrance porch.
The Tudor house is now being advertised as a 2,200 sq ft office for rent after it was closed down as a swingers club in 2015 following a fire.
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