Tributes pour in for Wednesbury teenager killed in hit and run

Police have now launched a hunt for the motorist and have released images of the mangled car in a bid to trace them.

The victim, Adam Jones, from Wednesbury, was flung through the windscreen and pronounced dead a short time later. Family and friends of the tragic teenager have left flowers and cards at the scene.

He was described as a 'legend with a heart of gold' and it is believed he had recently completed a spell of work experience at Sandwell Valley Riding Club.

The accident happened on Walsall Road, near Stone Cross, at just after 7.30pm on Thursday. Police said a Volkswagen Bora collided with the cyclist between the junctions of Sandfield Road and Beaconview Road.

The car was travelling from Stone Cross towards Walsall. Officers leading the investigation said the youngster was riding along Walsall Road in the direction of West Bromwich. And they have made a direct appeal to the driver to come forward and hand himself into police.

And they are hoping that someone will have seen what happened and help them track down the person responsible. Friends and neighbours have spoken of their shock over the tragedy and said the teenager would be sorely missed.

Inspector Paul Bennett, head of the collision investigation unit, said: "This was a shocking collision which has cost a young man his life and we are determined to find the person responsible for his death.

"The driver of the vehicle would have known that Adam had suffered catastrophic injuries, yet he still ran away without seeking medical assistance for him.

"I am appealing to him directly to do the right thing and come forward. "I would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the car and knows who uses it, possibly having seen it parked outside an address or worked on it in a garage, to help us trace the driver."

The car is a bright blue colour with distinctive stickers on the rear windscreen and the vehicle registration number MA52 XVV.

The registered keeper of the car sold the vehicle several months ago and has been eliminated from police inquiries. A 24-year-old man arrested at the scene has been released without charge, after it became clear he was not connected to the collision.

Officers say the shocking images of the wrecked car show the extent of the damage - and they are sure that someone must have seen the smash. Yvonne Beaumont, of Stone Cross, said she knew Adam as he had done work experience at Sandwell Valley Riding Club, where she is a horse rider.

She said he, too, loved horses, adding: "He was a rough diamond. He was a legend and had a heart of gold. He was a good kid. If he had got £1 and you wanted 99p, he would give you the lot."

The tributes at the site included one from the youngster's parents in which they spoke of how 'heartbroken' they were at his death and how they would miss him.

Another message to 'Gadge' read: "You had a very special gift of putting a smile on everyone's face. You will live on in our memory." Another bouquet said: "We will miss you being cheeky."

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Steve Parry said crews arrived in an ambulance together with a paramedic area support officer and a rapid-response car in the aftermath of the accident. He added: "Sadly, despite the efforts of ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save the cyclist involved. "He was pronounced dead at the scene." Anyone with information should contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1989 of 26 March.