Police release CCTV footage as hunt continues for hit-and-run suspect following tragic weekend on Black Country roads

A 28-year-old mother is critically ill in hospital after she was hit by the Mazda car as she crossed the A34 Walsall Road in Great Barr with her four-day-old baby in a pram. The baby was kept in hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the car fled the scene and ran off in the direction of Dyas Avenue.

Officers have now released footage, shot just before 6pm on Dyas Avenue, showing a man in a white t-shirt and grey joggers running past a house and away from the scene of the accident.

Detective sergeant Paul Hughes, from the West Midlands Police Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This investigation is in its early stages and we are trying to establish exactly what happened. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision and hasn’t yet spoken to police to make contact.

“The vehicle involved was a blue Mazda MPS Aero Sports registration number DV07 MWN. If anyone can provide information about this vehicle and its use I would like to hear from them.

"I would also appeal directly to the driver to do the right thing; come forward and speak to us now."

Anyone who recognises the man or with information is urged to call police on 101 or email FL_COLLISION_INVEST@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk and quote log 2124 23/09/17.

Alternatively people can pass information on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

The incident was part of a horror weekend on the roads across the Black Country, leaving three people dead.

Mother Vikki Jones, aged 30, was killed after a smash in Wood Road, Lower Gornal, at around 10.10pm on Friday.

Thirty-year-old Deepak Riat died in hospital following a accident on Hamstead Road, in Great Barr, just before 9pm on Saturday.

And last night police confirmed 91-year-old Michael Dudok, who was hit by a car in Stourbridge on Friday, had died in hospital.

Lower Gornal crash victim Ms Jones had an 11-year-old girl, believed to be her daughter, in the car with her at the time of the accident. She was taken to hospital with arm injuries.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Last night he was released on police bail.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the West Midlands Police Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This investigation is in its early stages and we are trying to establish exactly what happened, and are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision and hasn’t yet spoken to us to contact us.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who sadly lost her life. Specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time."

Floral tributes have been left on Wood Road following the death of Ms Jones.

Wood Road resident Adrian Beasley, aged 49, a fire alarm engineer, said: "Everyone in the street is devastated - it has shocked us all."

Mr Beasley has called for traffic calming measures to be installed on the road.

He added: "The road is like a death trap, it slopes down and cars come down too fast. We need to somehow slow cars down to make the place safer for motorists and pedestrians."

Mr Riat, who was driving a white BMW when it collided with a double decker bus in Great Barr, was rushed to hospital with his front-seat passenger - a man in his 20s - who was also seriously injured. The bus driver and three passengers suffered minor injuries.

Residents from Amberley Green, at the junction of where the crash took place, ran to the scene to help.

Gemma Hunt, who has lived in the road for more than 30 years, said: "We heard a loud bang and went running out in the street. Neighbours brought blankets out and the two men were still conscious at that point. Everyone was doing what they could.

"The front of the car was smashed in."

A family tribute was released yesterday, saying: "In loving memory of our soldier, Dee. We will all love you for the rest of our lives. Rest in peace King.

“We ask, as a family, for privacy at this very difficult time.”

Sergeant Alan Wood from West Midlands Police's collision investigation unit, said: “We are investigating the circumstances of what happened.

“I would like to appeal for anyone who saw the collision take place to come forward if they have not done so already."

A National Express West Midlands spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a 16 bus service was involved in an incident on Hamstead Road in Birmingham yesterday evening, in which our driver and four passengers onboard sustained minor injuries.

"Emergency services attended the scene and we are helping West Midlands Police with their investigation into the incident."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or email fl_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk