Police have launched a murder hunt after a man was shot dead outside one of Birmingham's most popular nightclubs.

The man, a Jamaican national in his 30s, was shot five times at close range near to Air nightclub in Digbeth.

The attack took place just before 2am on Saturday and patrolling police officers were on the scene almost immediately.

The shooting happened on the junction of Digbeth and Heath Mill Lane and the area was cordoned off while forensic officers searched the scene.

Police believe the attack was the result of a dispute between 'Yardies' and was a targeted incident.

The shooting happened after the man became involved in an argument with three men he knew inside the club where a reggae night was taking place. The heated exchange was continued outside the club where one of the parties pulled out a gun.

The victim died on the way to hospital. An incident room has been set up at Steelhouse Lane.

Detective Inspector Philip Ball said: "There is nothing at the moment to indicate that it is a gangland shooting. There were at least five shots fired."