Police arrest two men following Birmingham Highgate road collision as girl, 4, dies

West Midlands Police has arrested two men after a child died following a collision in Birmingham last night (Sunday, April 14).

Officers were called after a silver Corsa hit pedestrians in Upper Highgate Street at just after 9.45pm. A girl, understood to be aged four, sustained serious injuries and was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.

Two women, who were also walking on the pavement with the girl, were taken to hospital with leg injuries. Another young child was not injured. A spokesperson for WMP said: “Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this dreadful time and we'll be doing all we can to offer them any support they need.

“We're in the early stages of our investigation but we believe a grey Mercedes was in close proximity to the Corsa and we're currently treating it as a collision involving two cars. The vehicles and drivers remained at the scene.”

Two men, aged 21 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. They have been taken into custody for questioning.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) said: "A young girl has tragically lost her life and I can only imagine the pain her loved ones are going through at this awful time. 

"This is deeply upsetting for everyone and we'll be doing everything we can to support them and get answers to exactly what happened last night. We really need to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time and can assist our enquiries.

"We're particularly keen to speak to anyone who has dashcam footage. These are early days in our investigation and I'd urge people not to speculate around the circumstances. We need to deal with facts so we can complete a thorough investigation, and provide the answers the girls family and friends deserve."

Paramedics battled to save the child but she was confirmed dead at the scene. West Midlands Ambulance Service said three ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and two critical care paramedics were sent to the scene.

A service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found a car and four pedestrians had been involved in a collision. A child, female, was in a critical condition and ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support.

“Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, she could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene. Two women were treated by medics for serious, but not life-threatening, injuries and were conveyed on blue lights to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment. A fourth patient, a child, was assessed by ambulance crews but was not injured and so was discharged at the scene.”

Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, or by calling 101, and quote log 4120 of 14/4/24. You can also contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly by emailing [email protected]