‘We miss you’ – Tributes to ‘Ben’ left at scene of fatal Halesowen crash

Tributes have been left at the scene of a crash that left a teenage boy dead and two others injured. A tree has been surrounded with bunches of flowers and a single balloon in memory of 'Ben'. A 17-year-old - who has not been officially named - was killed when a car that had 'failed to stop for police' hit a tree in Coombs Road, Halesowen[1], on Friday, January 5.

Medics said "nothing could be done" to save the driver, who had suffered "critical injuries". Two 16-year-old passengers were also injured during the smash and taken to hospital. Both were initially arrested on suspicion of theft[2] in the aftermath but were later "de-arrested".

Loved ones have since visited the scene to leave floral tributes. A message scrawled on the exposed bark of the tree read: "RIP Ben AKA Lankz.." Another message written on the plastic flower wrapping was addressed to 'Benny' and said: "We miss you". A blue balloon was also left amongst the bouquets.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the crash, which happened 'following a short pursuit' involving both West Midlands Police[4] and Staffordshire[5] Police. A spokesperson said on January 5: "We are independently investigating the circumstances of a fatal collision following a police pursuit in the Halesowen area at around 3.15am today. "The driver was confirmed dead at the scene and two passengers were taken to hospital with injuries.

We declared an independent investigation at 5am. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident." Try BirminghamLive Premium for just GBP12 for 12 months![6]

West Midlands Police[7] previously said: "The 17-year-old boy was in a car which failed to stop for police moments before hitting a tree, near the junction of Coombs Road and Amber Way, at just after 3.15am.

Sadly nothing could be done to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is normal procedure."

References

1. ^ Halesowen (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ arrested on suspicion of theft (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Taco Bell closed after fire rips through new restaurant's kitchen (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
5. ^ Staffordshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ Try BirminghamLive Premium for just GBP12 for 12 months! (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
7. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)