Major Birmingham road closed over Christmas and New Year due to 'unsafe building'

A section of Soho Road remains closed, with buses diverted around the area after a man died in a blaze

A section of a major Birmingham road is closed off - and will be over the New Year and into January after a fatal fire. Soho Road, an arterial route in and out of the city, is blocked off with several barriers, traffic cones and 'road closed' signs to prevent access.

The Handsworth high street is shut off between Hamstead Road and Rookery Road due to the "unsafe building." National Express today issued a warning over a bus diversion in place amid the closure.

The number 74 bus to West Bromwich will be affected by the change - which is set to be in place until January 6. National Express said: "Tuesday 19 Dec until 6 Jan approx Soho Road from Hamstead Road to Rookery Road is closed due to an unsafe bulding.

Read more:'I was in a coma for a month and saw visions from the other side - some still give me nightmares'

"74 to West Bromwich diverted Soho Hill, Hamstead Road, Church Lane, Oxhill Road, Rookery Road, Soho Road."

A fatal fire at the derelict building on Tuesday (Dec 19) prompted the closure, with Soho Road already partially shut over the festive period. Ten people were found in the building in the days before the blaze.

Last week, police were appealing for information, including tracing four people seen leaving the building in which the man sadly died. The four were seen leaving the site on Soho Hill, Handsworth, during the fire on Tuesday.

Officers are attempting to establish the four were unhurt and believe they may be able to help identify the man who died in the blaze. A statement from West Midlands Police read: "We are continuing to liaise with West Midlands Fire Service to establish the cause of the fire.

"Four people were seen leaving the building during the blaze and we would like to hear from them to ensure that they are safe and well, and hope that they can help with our investigation.

"We believe they can also help us identify the man who sadly died." Anyone with information was urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101.