Police seek witnesses after Mormon bishop left critically injured in car-jacking

Updated

A man has been arrested after a Mormon bishop was car-jacked, leaving the clergyman with critical head injuries in hospital.

David Charmbury had got out of his 4x4 to open his church when the thieves struck on Sunday morning.

Police believe the bishop tried to stop the theft as it was happening and in the process, ended up being dragged along the street as he clung to his vehicle.

Officers from West Midlands Police said the 45-year-old had been taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma after sustaining serious injuries in the incident in the Chelmsley Wood area of Solihull, near Birmingham.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and has since been bailed while the investigation continues.

Forensics tests are being carried out on the bishop's Mazda CX5 Sport car, which was taken during the incident but recovered nearby.

However, Mr Charmbury's black iPhone and an iPad which were in the vehicle at the time are still missing.

Sergeant Samantha Price, of West Midlands Police, said: "We are still investigating what happened, but we believe the bishop was opening up the Church of Latter Day Saints when he was attacked.

"It is not known at this stage how many people were involved and we are continuing to appeal for more information."

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 1010 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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