‘Sombre’ Yardley crash scene as reeling locals say ‘too many people …
Reeling Yardley locals have spoken of their “devastation” at a fatal crash on their doorstep. An man on an electric bike has died following a collision at 11:55pm on August 1.
The man, 22, died at the scene at the junction with Moat Lane and Vera Road following the collision in Yardley. West Midlands Police[1] confirmed this morning they have launched a murder investigation[2] and have arrested three men following the fatal incident.
West Midlands Police[3] says the vehicle involved, believed to be a white Seat Leon, left the scene and added that enquiries are ongoing to trace the car. And the shocking events of last night has left residents in Yardley “devastated” and despairing over the safety of their roads.
This is a major developing story, follow our live updates from the scene here.[5]
‘Feels like it’s getting worse’
It continued to be an extremely sombre mood at the fatal crash scene on Wednesday afternoon. Speaking to BirminghamLive following the news, residents described how shocked and devastated they are after the young man lost his life.
A group of young men gathered at the edge of a cordon on Moat Lane have been at the scene for the majority of the day. It’s understood that some of them knew the crash victim, and flowers have been laid.
Vera Road resident Zak, 22, and told BirminghamLive[6]: “Too many people have died in crashes this year. I don’t know if it’s getting worse, or whatever, but it definitely feels like it doesn’t it?
“I’d like to say rest in peace to the person who died. It’s proper sad. My mum is devastated.”
Rory, 21, taking flowers to the scene, said: “I didn’t know [the victim] personally but a few of my mates did. I’ve only ever heard good things about him. It’s shocked everyone as you can see. We’re just trying to process it.”
Three people have been arrested after a man on an electric bike was tragically killed following a crash in Yardley. Police at the scene in Yardley as crash investigation work takes place (Image: Birmingham Mail)
‘I feel so sorry for the family’
A 77-year-old grandmother, who lives on Patrick Road, near the tragic crash scene, said: “It’s absolutely dreadful. I feel so sorry for the family. I no longer drive but those electric bikes scare me when I see them out and about. There’s a lot of them around here.”
Hundreds of tributes have been pouring in our Facebook page for the cyclist whose family are currently being supported by specialist police liaison officers. Eleesha Violet Islam wrote: “Rest in peace. So sad.”
Jo Field added: “RIP to the young man and thoughts with all those involved.” Angelina Charlie Marie shared: “Such a sad thing that has happened sending healing to all his loved ones.”
Elaine King added: “So very sad R.I.P thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.” There are some road closures in place this afternoon as crash investigation work continues.
Moat Lane is closed between Gilbertstone Park and Barrows Lane. Vera Road and Elmcroft Road are both blocked off on Moat Lane side. To access those residential roads, drivers are being told to come from other sides.
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References
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ murder investigation (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Yardley murder investigation after cyclist on electric bike dies and three arrested – updates (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ here. (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ and told BirminghamLive (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ here (data.reachplc.com)