THE driver who died after his car crashed into a tree and lamppost in Dudley last night has been named on social media as Craig Griffiths.

The 26-year-old's car left the road at the junction of the Birmingham New Road and Priory Road at 10.20pm yesterday (Tuesday September 29).

Although Craig and his 26-year-old passenger had managed to get out of the car unaided, his condition quickly deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and hospital medics nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead a short time later.

“The passenger of the car, a man, sustained a head injury and a suspected fractured wrist.”

The road was closed until around 3.30am today (Wednesday) while specialist reconstruction staff from West Midlands Police examined the scene to establish what happened.

Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said: “As with all fatal road traffic collisions, we have started an investigation to build a picture of what happened last night.

"Lots of people stopped at the scene and gave us information and I would urge anyone else who witnessed what actually happened to contact us."

He added: “This is obviously a difficult time for the man’s family and our thoughts are with them.

"Officers from our dedicated family liaison team are supporting the family."

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to call us on 101, quote log 2694 29/09/15

People have been leaving their tributes on our report of the tragic incident on Facebook, with Theresa Rivers writing"Rip craig xx" and Katie Britain adding "Rest in peace craig u will b missed matey xx".

Tributes to Craig can be sent to newsgrouped@midlands.newsquest.co.uk