British Police Appeal For Help After Zimbabwean Man Found Dead On Birmingham Railway Tracks

British police are urgently searching for the family of a Zimbabwean man who died alone on railway tracks in Birmingham.

Brian Bande, 39, was found dead on the morning of Monday 23 June near Ladywood, Birmingham. The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Despite identifying the deceased and carrying out “extensive enquiries”, police say they have not been able to locate any of Mr Bande’s next of kin.

Man named as Brian Bande

In a statement posted on Friday 4 July, the British Transport Police appealed to the public for help:

“Officers trying to locate the family of a man who died on the railway in Birmingham are today appealing for information.

On Monday 23 June, at around 9.15am, officers were called to an area of the line in Ladywood, Birmingham, to reports of a casualty on the tracks.

Paramedics also attended, however sadly a man was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

The man has since been named as Brian Bande. Police say he was born in Zimbabwe and had links to Birmingham, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Bournemouth.

“Despite extensive enquiries, officers have been unable to trace Mr Bande’s next of kin or any other family members to inform them of this sad news,” police added.

“They are appealing for any relatives or anyone who may have information about Mr Bande’s family to come forward and assist their investigation.”

Diaspora react with sadness

News of Mr Bande’s death has shaken Zimbabwean diaspora communities in the UK. One X user, King Jay , posted a widely shared message urging others to check on one another:

“Sad news out of Birmingham, a 39-year-old Zimbabwean brother, Brian Bande, was found dead on the railway tracks on 23 June. British Transport Police are still trying to locate his family.

If anyone knew him or has info that might help reach his relatives, please contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting ref 123 of 23 June.

The incident isn’t being treated as suspicious, but for many of us in the diaspora, the weight is real. Pressure from home, bills here, isolation… sometimes all someone needs is a check-in.

Let’s look out for each other. One call could save a life.

RIP Brian.”

The emotional post has received thousands of views, with many expressing sympathy and calling for better mental health support among immigrants living in the UK.

Appeal for information continues

Police are continuing their appeal for anyone with knowledge of Mr Bande’s relatives.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 123 of 23 June.”

Authorities say their primary concern is locating Mr Bande’s family so they can be informed of his passing and offered support.