Shard End murder: three men arrested on suspicion of Darren Smith’s death

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a dad who was allegedly attacked with a hammer during a broad daylight robbery for his Rolex watch in Birmingham.

Families with children watched in horror as Darren Smith, 50, was ambushed by a gang at a shopping precinct in Shard End, Birmingham on Wednesday (March 15).

Emergency services rushed to the scene at 2.55pm but he was pronounced dead a short time later despite the efforts of paramedics.

Witnesses said Darren was attacked by thugs armed with a hammer or another similar weapon for his designer watch outside the row of shops.

West Midlands Police revealed three men - aged 31, 35 and 53 - were arrested more than 160 miles away in Devon yesterday (March 16).

They have been brought back to a West Midlands custody block for questioning over his death.

A force spokesperson added: “We understand he may have been the victim of a robbery but we’re continuing to keep an open mind around the motive for the attack.

“We remain keen to hear from anyone with information and you contact us via 101, or Live Chat on our website, and quote log 2653 of 15 March.”

Tributes were paid to Darren who was described as a ‘caring and loving son’ and a man with a ‘heart of gold’.

His family said in a statement: “We as a family are devastated at the loss of our son Darren.

“He was a caring man and was loved by all who knew him. He was tragically taken from us and this has left a huge void in our lives. We would ask anyone who knows or saw anything please come forward and contact the police. We would now wish to be left alone so we can deal with our loss and grieve in private.”

Other pals took to social media to pay tribute, with one writing: “Absolutely gutted, such a great guy.

“I’ve got so many funny memories with you Wiffa until we meet again I will treasure them. Rest in eternal peace.”

Another commented: “RIP Darren Wiffa Smith you deserved so much better than this, you was a true legend, absolutely heart breaking, see you on the other side one day x”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said previously two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.

A service spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.55pm to an incident on Heath Way, Shard End, Birmingham.

“Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

“Upon arrival, we found a man in a critical condition. Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support to him.

“Unfortunately, it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased.”

One onlooker, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “A 50-year-old bloke has been attacked with a hammer or something similar for his Rolex.

“It was crazy, there were helicopters overhead and dozens of police and ambulances. All this was happening at the end of the school day.

“There were kids around, its terrible. A blue ten has since been set up. It doesn’t look good.