Tributes paid as man killed in West Bromwich crash is named

The victim, named today as 39-year-old local man Neil Perry, suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by a blue Mercedes A Class on New Street in the Hill Top area of the town on Sunday.

Flowers and tributes have been left on the pavement where the crash took place, including one which states: 'Neil, you will be sadly missed, love you loads'.

Police and ambulance crews rushed to New Street after being called at 11.25pm, but Mr Perry was confirmed dead at the scene.

The uninjured driver of the Mercedes, a 23-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking and has since been interviewed and bailed while further investigations take place.

Pc Chris Ridge from West Midlands Police's collision investigation unit, today appealed for witnesses to come forward, saying: "Mr Perry was treated by paramedics, but despite their best efforts he sadly passed away at the scene.

"Enquiries are on-going and I am keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the Mercedes travelling along New Street prior to the collision and would ask them to call officers on 101."

Meanwhile nearby residents spoke of their shock after hearing the news.

Christine Davies, aged 41, said: "This is always quite a busy road but it's horrible to hear that someone has been killed just minutes away from our doorstep.

"We're not entirely sure what happened as we were in bed but one of our neighbours told us the news."

Tom Nicklin, aged 27, said: "Sadly, another life has been lost not far away from our home and our thoughts are with their family.

"I think cars need to slow down round here as pedestrians could be on the road at any moment. I'm going to urge my kids to be extremely safe around here from now on."

Lara Cummins, aged 31, said: "I overheard from neighbours that a man was crossing the road but was knocked down by a car which is awful."