Tragic end to office party

An office Christmas party ended in tragedy when a worker was knocked down and killed as he walked home.

The victim, believed to be a financial adviser in his 20s, had just left the party and was planning to walk along a dark country lane to his home nearby. But tragedy struck when he was involved in an accident.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were called to the scene outside the The Fox Inn, Bridgnorth Road, Stourton, near Stourbridge, just after 6pm yesterday, but the man could not be saved.

A witness, who did not wish to be named, said the victim was a financial adviser for a chain of estate agents, with "a brilliant mind and future ahead of him".

"It is such a terrible, terrible tragedy, especially at this time of year," he said.

"He had just come out of the pub after the works party and was going to walk to his house in Wollaston.

"It seems the people in the car were a couple on their way back home from Christmas shopping.

"It is a very dark road. Everyone is so very upset about this."

John Hawker, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said: "Despite the best efforts of paramedics the man was pronounced dead at the scene. He had suffered serious head injuries."

Staff at The Fox Inn said last night they were too upset to comment.

The pub, in the Staffordshire countryside, is a popular venue for private functions.

Inspector John Townsend from Staffordshire Police said only one vehicle had been involved.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses to get in touch on 08453 302 010.

By Wayne Beese