Detectives are hunting for the hit-and-run driver responsible for mowing down two people on Birmingham’s Soho Road – a tragic incident which left a man dead and a woman in hospital
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
The family of a man who was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Birmingham’s Soho Road will tonight be facing an “unbearable reality”, said the West Midlands mayor.
Richard Parker said the family of the victim – who died in hospital after he was hit by a car on the major city route this morning – had seen their lives “changed forever in an instant”.
A major manhunt was underway to find the Vauxhall Corsa driver who mowed down the victim, said to have been in his 50s, as well as a woman in her 40s who was also struck and rushed to hospital with leg injuries.
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Mr Parker said his “heart goes out to everyone affected” by the “senseless tragedy on our roads”.
Speaking tonight, he said: “A family is facing the unbearable reality that someone they love is gone.
“Their lives have been changed forever in an instant. They are in all our thoughts, alongside the second victim who is being treated in hospital.”
He said it was a “devastating moment for the Handsworth community”.
“Too many families here have already suffered loss on the streets they call home,” said the Mayor.
“No community should have to carry this weight. We stand with them in grief and in solidarity.”
Mr Parker also thanked emergency service responders.
He said: “They responded with professionalism and care in the most difficult circumstances and we owe them our deepest thanks.
“Police enquiries are ongoing so I cannot comment further on the details. But to the person responsible, there is one clear message: do the right thing and hand yourself in immediately.”
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The two pedestrians were hit by the car near the junction of Soho Road and Thornhill Road shortly before 11.20am today, December 16.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and we’re continuing our work to locate him.
“The vehicle involved was a Vauxhall Corsa and has been recovered near the scene.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and saw what happened or has any dash cam or mobile phone footage.
“The road is expected to remain closed for some time as our investigation continues. We would ask motorists to please continue avoiding the area.
“Anyone with any information is asked to call us on 101, quoting incident number 1819 of 16 December.”
Information can also be shared anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.