Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Girl, 7, dies in motorcycle hit-and-run as 14 year-old boy arrested

Police make urgent appeal for witnesses to tragic incident in Blakenhall, West Midlands

Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Friday 28 July 2023 09:25 EDT
Police were called to the scene on Thursday evening (file image)
Police were called to the scene on Thursday evening (file image) (Google Maps)

Your support helps us to tell the story

As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.

Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.

Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election

Head shot of Andrew Feinberg

Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

A seven-year-old girl has died following an “absolutely tragic” hit-and-run in the West Midlands.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested after the tragic incident in Walsall on Thursday evening.

Officers were called to Turnstone Road in Blakenhall shortly after 7pm after the girl was hit by a motorcycle.

The boy is still in custody and police are searching for a blue and black road bike, and trying to determine the exact make and model.

Have you been affected by this story? If so email maryam.zakir-hussain@independent.co.uk

Flowers, balloons, and teddies have been placed at the scene of a crash.

Dozens of bunches of brightly-coloured bouquets pay tribute to the “sweet angel” who died in hospital following the hit-and-run motorcycle crash in Turnstone Road, Blakenall, Walsall, on Thursday evening.

One reads: “I will remember your beautiful soul forever. Thinking and praying for your family.” Another says: “Rest in peace beautiful girl.”

Flowers are left on Turnstone Road in Blakenall
Flowers are left on Turnstone Road in Blakenall (PA)

A steady stream of emotional locals have been visiting the scene to add their own tributes to the shrine, which also features a unicorn balloon and stuffed toys, and comfort each other.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “This is an absolutely tragic event which has resulted in the death of an innocent child.

“We have still to recover the motorbike involved and I know someone out there in the local community knows where the bike is.”

A stream of emotional locals have been visiting the scene to add their own tributes
A stream of emotional locals have been visiting the scene to add their own tributes (PA)

“I now need that community to come together and work with me. This is not about protecting people, this is about doing the right thing.

“As such I would urge anyone with any information, however large or small, to make contact with us.

“This is a heartbreaking situation that no family should ever go through and my thoughts are with the family of this young girl.”

Anyone with any information should contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101 quoting log 4332 of 27 July.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in