Fatal crash after Villa v Blues match

Apr 20 2008 By Paul Bradley

A MAN is being questioned on suspicion of murder after a pedestrian was killed in a collision with a car close to Villa Park shortly after the Villa-Blues derby.

The victim, a 26-year-old man, died in City Hospital a short time after the collision in Aston Hall Road yesterday, as thousands of Blues and Villa fans poured out of the stadium.

The victim has not yet been identified by police, although unconfirmed reports say it is believed he was a football fan.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"A 26-year-old male suffered fatal injuries after a road traffic collision between a Volkswagen Golf and a pedestrian."

Police confirmed the death happened after the Aston Villa v Birmingham City football match at around 3pm yesterday. Ambulance crews gave emergency first aid to the man at the scene before he was taken to hospital where doctors lost the battle to save him.

No-one from the emergency services would comment on unconfirmed speculation on Blues' and Villa fans' websites that fans from both teams were involved in the incident.

Police diverted onlookers and traffic away and the immediate area was sealed off.

Forensic teams were working at the scene and there appeared to be a large police presence in the area.

* Anyone with information should contact police immediately on 0845 113 5000.