Pedestrian killed in Smethwick crash named as police officer Sergeant Paul Frear

A pedestrian who died after being knocked over by a car in Smethwick has been named by West Midlands Police. He was a serving police officer with the force.

Sergeant Paul Frear, 45, who worked at Wolverhampton LPA, was critically injured after being knocked over by a car whilst on his way to work on Thursday morning (September 21) in Tollhouse Way, near Smethwick Rolfe Street Station.

Paul died yesterday (Friday, September 22) with his loving family around him. Tributes were paid to Paul who dedicated his entire career to the communities, staff and officers of Wolverhampton.

He joined West Midlands Police in August 2002 and spent the last five years on Low Hill, Bushbury and Fallings Park neighbourhood teams. In 2017 he won a Chief Constable’s Award for providing emergency first aid at the scene of a double stabbing outside a Wolverhampton nightclub. The victims both survived thanks to his swift action.

WMP Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “We are offering all the support we can to his wife and their two children and his wider family too at this awful time. We know how deeply this will affect those who knew him and worked with him and indeed the whole policing family. As a mark of respect we will be flying the Force flags at half-mast.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “Sergeant Paul Frear committed his working life to serving the people of the West Midlands. He was a dedicated and popular member of the force throughout his 21 years’ service.

“My thoughts, and those of everyone within my office, are with his family, particularly his wife and children. I know that West Midlands Police will provide them with all the support they need.” Witnesses to the collision or people with information can contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log 649 of 21/09.