We asked police about problems plaguing Lozells amid murder probe - this was their five-point reply

Police patrols stepped up after a man found dead and second critically injured as violence flared in Hunters Road

Police have stepped up patrols in one of Birmingham's most deprived areas as detectives continue to probe a murder. Earlier this week, a man was found dead on the roadside and another was critically injured as violence flared in Lozells.

One line of inquiry police are examining is that the victim was stabbed to death during the Hunters Road trouble. As of Friday, no arrests had been made, with the killer still on the run from detectives.

Responding to news of the murder probe, one local trader spoke of his fears living and working in adjoining Villa Road. Fights between groups of men erupt weekly, people deal drugs in nearby car parks and shoplifters sell stolen goods in the street, he said.

READ MORE: Birmingham mum horrified over knife display in UK high streets after husband stabbed to death

The anonymous shopkeeper, a dad-of-four, had said: "I am really scared to go into work, you never know at any minute what's going to happen. I saw a fight a couple of days before [the murder]. Police did come, and they all disappeared.

"They were fighting outside, about ten - 15 of them. I don't know who but a lot of boys fight every day. It's been going on every week.

"We lost a life, we don't know [if we could lose] another one now. This thing is serious. It's really, really bad. We need the police and council to step up as well. We need more patrols. It's not safe really- for customers and traders as well."

Coun Waseem Zaffar also raised concerns his complaints were "falling on deaf ears" with the local policing team. Branding the murder 'no surprise', he spoke of the the ongoing mayhem and anti-social behaviour blighting the area.

Now West Midlands Police has responded to the concerns over violence, drug dealing, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. The force says it has stepped up patrols in response to the murder probe and concerns from local residents and traders - which it says officers are "aware of."

Locals were urged to continue to share their concerns with officers as they work to "ensure that the area is a safe environment." Det Insp Sara Beech, from Birmingham Police, told BirminghamLive: "We are aware of the concerns raised by residents and business owners in the area.

"We have met with partners including the local authority, this week, and we are working together to ensure that the area is a safe environment for both residents and business owners.

"There will be an increased presence in the area, and we encourage members of the public to speak with officers and share their concerns. We are here to speak with and listen to community concerns. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately by calling 999 or 101. Alternatively, you can contact us via Live Chat on our website, and we will investigate.”

Do you live in Lozells? We would like to hear your thoughts. You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com