Man killed in Halesowen 'hit-and-run' tragedy

The 34-year-old man was walking in Cherry Street at 12.15am this morning when he was hit by a dark coloured hatchback.

Medics battled to save the pedestrian but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police have launched an investigation and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The road remains closed as specialist officers examine the scene

Det Supt Tom Chisholm, from Force CID, said: "We have already spoken to a number of witnesses who were at the scene. But we urgently need to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information who hasn't yet spoken to us.

"Our thoughts remain with the family of the man who lost his life and specialist officers are supporting them at this difficult time."

Police set up a cordon around the scene of the incident, and blocked off Beach Street and parts of Cherry Street as door-to-door investigation got underway.

Residents spoke of their shock at hearing the news.

One man said: "It is disgraceful how someone can drive at somebody else."

One woman said: "I heard a car driving fast just after midnight. It is shocking to hear what happened.

"Usually it is really quiet around here. We knew it was serious when police came last night."

Another woman said: "I didn't find out until this morning what had happened, but it is horrific.

"I just hope they catch whoever who did this.

"It is fairly quiet around here, we get a few cars that come down the road, like typical boy racers."

The cordon stretched from the junction of Beach Street with Bloomfield Street North and extended to parts of Cherry Street.

Residents were still allowed to drive part of the way up Cherry Street, as an 'access to frontages only' sign had been placed at the foot of the street.

Police investigators were seen conducting door to door enquiries around the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101.