Second driver arrested after brothers, one and ten, killed in ‘street race’ crash in Wolverhampton
POLICE have arrested a second man in connection with a suspected race crash that killed two brothers.
The 23-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of causing the deaths of 10-year-old Sanjay Singh and his 23-month old brother Pawanveer, by dangerous driving.
The boys’ mum, who was in the car with them, has been left seriously injured.
The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene on Birmingham New Road in Wolverhampton on Thursday when an Audi S3 collided with the BMW which was being driven by their mum.
Her heartbreaking screams of “my babies, my babies” was heard by neighbours after the two boys were killed in the hit-and-run smash.
A 31-year-old man driving a Bentley was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but was released pending further investigation, while the driver of the Audi was reported to have fled on foot.
The 23-year-old will be now be questioned over the fatal crash.
This afternoon’s arrest is a significant development, but the investigation is continuing and we still have lots of lines of enquiry to pursue
Det Sgt Paul Hughes from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit
Det Sgt Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This afternoon’s arrest is a significant development, but the investigation is continuing and we still have lots of lines of enquiry to pursue.
“We would appeal to the public to keep contacting us with any information.
“Pawanveer and Sanjay’s family have been informed of this afternoon’s development, and we continue to support them through this terrible period.”
Witnesses said they saw an Audi and Bentley convertible racing along Birmingham New Road when the Audi hit a white BMW, carrying the two kids and their mother.
A man, who asked not to be named, told the Birmingham Mail: “I didn’t see it but I heard it – two cars must have been racing.
“My son ran to the window and said ‘they are racing dad’ and then we heard an almighty bang.
“My missus ran down to see if she could help and all the police and ambulance workers were there. You could see the police officers stopping the traffic were really, really distressed.
I heard a woman screaming about 10 minutes after it had happened
Eyewitness
Tanveer Hassan, 32, was an off-duty taxi driver who was overtaken by two of the cars involved.
He said: “I was coming down the road when it happened. All of a sudden, two cars overtook me really fast, they were definitely doing over 70mph. I heard a bang and didn’t realise what is was.
“I saw the children lying in the street, a guy had come and helped pull them out of the car, there was blood everywhere.”
Another resident told how he heard what sounded like a “woman screaming” several minutes after the impact.
Describing the white BMW, he said: “There were car seats in the back. It was completely written off with the airbags deployed.
“There was a man lying in the road and he looked injured, and I heard a woman screaming about 10 minutes after it had happened.
“It’s very sad to hear that children have been killed.”
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The family of Sanjay and Pawanveer, from Dudley, said: “Our family are grieving over the tragic deaths of our two beautiful children, as well as dealing with the shock of the horrific crash.
“We appeal to the general public to come forward as witnesses in order help police find the perpetrator who fled from the scene and to bring him or her to justice.
“At this time we would appreciate some privacy and space to grieve over our precious loss.
“Your co-operation in this would be very much appreciated.”
Detective Hughes said: “The children suffered horrendous injuries and despite the best efforts of medical professionals both of them unfortunately died at the scene of the collision.
He added:“The family have suffered a set of circumstances which I can’t even find the words to describe.”
‘HORRENDOUS INJURIES’
An ambulance arrived on scene five minutes after the initial 999 call – with a second ambulance, MERIT Trauma doctor, critical care paramedic and two paramedic officers arriving shortly afterwards.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival ambulance staff found a number of members of the public tending to those involved in the crash.
“There were three patients who all came from the same car. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that nothing could be done to save the two young boys who had been badly hurt and they were confirmed dead at the scene.
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“A woman who had been driving the car was assessed and treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Her injuries are not life threatening.
“There were no other patients.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime. Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. Quote log number 2580 of 14 March.
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