AN inquest into the death of an unidentified man who died in a collision with a lorry on the M42 near Alvechurch has concluded with an open verdict.

The incident, which saw the man on foot when he was struck and killed by a Heavy Goods Vehicle on the northbound carriageway between Junctions 2 and 3, happened on December 16 last year.

Despite numerous enquiries and the release of CCTV images officers were not able to establish the identity of the man.

Last week police circulated a poster in the Sparkhill and Acocks Green area of Birmingham where it is believed he had connections and may have been living in a hostel.

The poster carried a picture of the man who is thought to have been in his 40s and recently signed on as a patient at a medical practice in Birmingham - although he did not turn up for an appointment.

He was of Middle Eastern appearance and told staff he was born in France and spoke Arabic.

Part of the poster was translated into Arabic and it also included a picture of some Yale keys on a pink fob which was found on the body.

The medical cause of death was multiple injuries.

The inquest recorded a verdict of open conclusion.