THE family of a pedestrian who died after a hit and run road crash in Tipton at the weekend say they have been left "devastated" by his sudden death.

Police have today named the victim who was struck by a car in St Mark’s Road at about 1.40pm on Saturday (February 27) as 43-year-old Darren Whitehouse.

Despite the best efforts of the first officers at the scene and paramedics, he was pronounced dead a short time after the collision.

His heartbroken family have today paid tribute to him as they made a heartfelt plea for anyone with information about the fatal incident to get in touch with police officers.

Currently being supported by a specially-trained family-liaison officer, his family said in a statement: “We are devastated at the sudden loss of Darren.

"We are so grateful for the support that the local community have shown to our family, thank you.

"If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation please contact the police directly."

Officers later recovered what is believed to be the offending vehicle, a silver Infiniti which had been stolen in Rowley Regis on February 24 and a forensic analysis of the car is being carried out as investigations continue.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: "We can confirm that a report of a disorder in which a man suffered a stab wound at a shop in St Mark’s Road at around 2.15pm the same day is not believed to be linked and is being investigated as a separate incident."

Anyone who was in the area on Saturday lunchtime and has any dash-cam or cycle-cam video is urged to check the footage to see if the collision or a silver car leaving the scene was caught on camera.

Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are also urged to get in touch with police by calling 101 or sending a message via Live Chat online at west-midlands.police.uk. People are asked to quote log 1827 from February 27.