AN inquest has begun into the death of a 55-year-old Sledmere man whose body was found near a railway line.

David Rowley, of Redcroft Road, was found near Rowley Regis railway station last Friday morning shortly after 9.10am. It is thought the industrial chemist ran onto the tracks in front of a train.

Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain this morning opened and adjourned the inquest into his death at Smethwick Council House.

Mr Balmain said the medical cause of death was multiple injuries. Further inquiries will now be carried out.