Girl killed in Smethwick crash named as six-year-old Jannatul Bakya
A schoolgirl killed when she was hit by a car in the Black Country has been named as Jannatul Bakya.
The six-year-old was with her father heading to prayers at a local mosque in Smethwick when she was hit by a car on Saturday evening.
The crash happened at around 10.50pm as Jannatul and her father were crossing Oldbury Road. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving have now been released on bail.
The suspects, from Smethwick and Bearwood respectively, were detained shortly after the collision but have been released while inquiries continue.
Tonight Jannatul's father paid tribute to his 'happy and cheerful' daughter, as a photo was released of the smiling youngster.
“Jannatul, my youngest daughter, was always happy and cheerful," the tribute said.
"She always bought a smile to everybody's face.
“She will be greatly missed.
"I would ask that my family be given space to be able to grieve in private.”
Meanwhile Det Con Damian Gibson, from West Midlands Police’s Collision Investigation Unit, urged anyone who saw the collision to come forward.
He said: “We are investigating the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
"I’m appealing for anyone who saw the collision, or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage, to get in touch.
“The family are receiving support from family liaison officers and, our thoughts are them at this very sad time."
Witnesses are asked to call the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting log number 2933 from July 28 or email fl.collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk .
