Birmingham: 'Caring and loving son' killed in attack outside local shops

A city man who died in an attack outside shops in Birmingham has been named as his family pay tribute.

Emergency services were called to Shard End in Birmingham after Darren Smith was found in a critical condition at 2.55pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Paramedics administered life support to Smith but sustained fatal head injuries in the attack.

The 50-year-old's family released a statement on 16 March paying tribute to their 'caring and loving son'. His family said: "We as a family are devastated at the loss of our son Darren.

"He was a caring man and was loved by all who knew him. He was tragically taken from us and this has left a huge void in our lives. We would ask anyone who knows or saw anything please come forward and contact the police. We would now wish to be left alone so we can deal with our loss and grieve in private."

Witnesses said there was a flurry of police activity after the incident, which took place as children began leaving school.

One onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was crazy, there were helicopters overhead and dozens of police and ambulances. All this was happening at the end of the school day.

"There were kids around, its terrible. A blue tent has since been set up. It doesn't look good."

West Midlands Police confirmed that they had launched a murder investigation and were currently trying to determine the motive. No arrests have been made.

They said in a statement: “We were called after a man was found seriously injured after being attacked outside shops in Heath Way, Shard End, just after 2.50pm yesterday (15 March).

“The man was sadly confirmed dead shortly afterwards and his family have been informed. We'll be supporting them as much as we can at this deeply devastating time.

“We understand he may have been the victim of robbery but we're continuing to keep an open mind around the motive for the attack.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

Anyone with information that can help police enquiries is urged to contact them by calling 101, or via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, and quote log 2653 of 15 March.