Smethwick Crash Victim Named As Jannatul Bakya

30 July 2018, 19:09 | Updated: 30 July 2018, 19:14

A schoolgirl tragically killed in a Smethwick road crash on Saturday night has been named as Jannatul Bakya.

The six-year-old was with her father heading to prayers at a local mosque when she was struck by a vehicle at around 10.50pm while crossing Oldbury Road - she was pronounced dead at the scene.

West Midlands Police arrested a 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman – living in Smethwick and Bearwood respectively – shortly after the collision.

They have been questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Jannatul’s family have released a photo of her and a tribute issued on behalf of her father reads: “Jannatul, my youngest daughter, was always happy and cheerful. She always bought a smile to everybody's face.

“She will be greatly missed. I would ask that my family be given space to be able to grieve in private.”

DC Damian Gibson from West Midlands Police’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “We are investigating the circumstances leading to this tragic event…I’m appealing for anyone who saw the collision, or who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage, to get in touch.

“The family are receiving support from family liaison officers and, our thoughts are them at this very sad time."