Neighbours' shock at death of 'lovely and intelligent' pensioner killed in A449 crash

Frederick Dudley, aged 90, from Bearnett Drive, Wolverhampton, was hit by a black VW Scirocco on the Stourbridge Road, just down from the Miller & Carter restaurant, on Friday night.

Yesterday, residents in Bearnett Drive, spoke of their sadness and shock, in what was described as a close-knit area.

Colin Gower, aged 87, who has lived in the road for more than 30 years, paid tribute to his neighbour and friend who was knocked over and killed shortly after getting off a bus.

He said: "He was a lovely guy, very intelligent and always up for a chat when he was out and about.

"This has been a tremendous shock – I can't believe it has happened.

"He sadly lost his wife last year. They had moved in the end bungalow about four or five years ago.

"Since the sad passing of his wife he always seemed to look after himself well and despite his age he would still get out the house a lot.

"He was even driving up until recently, but then he got his bus pass and seemed to enjoy going out with that instead.

"You would see him going into Wolverhampton and Wombourne on it with his shopping trolley and would get off at the stop on the A449.

"He was not just a neighbour but a friend in the road who was very talkative.

"There are lots of retirement bungalows down this road so you get used to seeing the same faces come and go everyday. At the minute I'm still in shock."

A 27-year-old from Wolverhampton and a 25-year-old from Kingswinford have been arrested by Staffordshire Police detectives for offences connected with the incident and remain in custody.

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, added: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the flashing lights and all the traffic.

"I was so saddened to hear that a man had died.

"There is a crossing near to the bus stop but the bend is quite tricky especially when it is dark."

The road was sealed off after the fatal crash at 5.20pm on Friday night.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "The detailed investigation is currently under way.

Any witnesses to the collision should call Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident 570 of 25th November 2016.