Driver arrested after 'endlessly kind' teenager killed on Birmingham Road

Charlie Heywood, aged 19, died in the early hours of Sunday morning after being hit while walking along Birmingham Road.

The crash happened at around 3.35am on Birmingham Road heading towards Walsall, near to the junction with Barrhill Close on the approach to Junction 7 of the M6.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and passers-by, the teenager from Great Barr was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of a blue Mercedes has been arrested on suspicion of a number of matters including driving while under the influence of drugs.

Charlie's family have paid tribute to the student, who they described as an 'endlessly kind young man'.

They released a picture of the Arsenal fan at Wembley with his brothers, supporting the team at the 2014 FA Cup final.

And in a statement they said: "Charlie was a quiet, endlessly kind young man and a much loved son, brother and grandson.

"He had so much to live for and was looking forward to his second year studying for a degree in history at University College London. He was in particular a big brother to Beau, Ben and Max.

One resident of Barrhill Close, who did not want to be named, said they were awoken by the crash. She said: "When I looked out the window there was about 10 or 12 lads in their late teens all leaning over something.

"They all started walking around shaking their heads. We could see there was somebody on the floor and one of them started CPR. Then the ambulance and police arrived."

Sergeant Steve Newbury, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: "My thoughts are with the family of this young man who sadly lost his life this morning. Specialist officers are supporting them today.

"If anyone witnessed the collision and hasn't yet spoken to us, I would ask them to please get in touch so that we take your account of what happened."

Anyone with information should call police on 101.