Appeal after man found unconscious on path dies

The family of a man who has died in Birmingham have appealed for information as police try to understand how he came to be injured.

Michael Bennett was found unconscious with serious head injuries on the pavement in Reservoir Road, Erdington, just before 01:00 GMT on 27 March, and died on Friday.

The family of the 38-year-old said he "did not deserve the ending he received" and asked for anyone with information on "what may have happened to Michael in his last hours" to get in touch with police.

Det Insp Michelle Cordell, who is leading the investigation, said officers were "working at pace to establish the circumstances surrounding Michael's death".

She said the team had identified some people who could potentially be significant witnesses and asked them to come forward, as well as anyone else with information who was in the vicinity of Reservoir Road between 21:30 on 26 March and 00:55 on 27 March.

Bennett's family said he was "adored" and would be missed "so very much", adding that he was very protective of all his family.

"Michael loved sharing jokes and playing pranks on those around him. He had a very silly and funny nature about him, even when he did not always find life easy," they wrote.

"His nieces and nephews will always remember him this way - their playful, silly uncle.

"Michael loved to cook and would create his own weird and wonderful recipes for us all to try. He was a massive foodie and feeder. Michael took great joy in cooking a meal for his family, we will always remember his famous orange chicken."

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