sparkbrook stabling
Man died after being stabbed in Sparkbrook, Birmingham. YouTube

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 32-year-old man in Sparkbrook, Birmingham after a fight broke out between two large groups of men on Wednesday evening.

The men -- aged between 24 and 27 -- were initially arrested on suspicion of violent disorder but were rearrested late last night for murder.

The victim, named locally as Ikram Elahi, died as a result of a fatal knife wound.

It was initially believed he was shot. But following a post-mortem examination there was no evidence of a gunshot injury.

Two other men, aged 22 and 25, were taken to hospital with gunshot and knife wounds. The knife victim is said to be in a critical condition.

The shooting victim, whose injuries are not life threatening, reportedly refused water given to him, saying he was fasting for Ramadan. An onlooker said to him: "Mate, your fast is already broken."

Police are investigating a line of enquiry that the tragedy unfolded following an ongoing dispute between the two groups.

Superintendent Bas Javid, from West Midlands Police, said: "The investigation continues today and we are working hard to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.

"We appreciate how unsettling this is for the community especially when guns and knives are used. We would encourage people not to speculate and again I would reiterate that there is nothing to suggest this will spark any further disorder."

Grantham Road and Farm Road remain cordoned off while forensic examinations continued to be carried out at the scene.

A fifth man, aged 22, was arrested for possession of a class A drugs and has been bailed pending further enquiries.