Husband and wife killed in suspected hit-and-run, orphaning their 'five young children'

A husband and wife have been killed after the motorbike they were on was involved in a suspected hit-and-run with a car.

The couple, who are believed to have five children, were involved in the crash in Acocks Green, Birmingham, at 5.45pm on Saturday (5 June).

Emergency services rushed to the scene but the couple were pronounced dead.

The blue Saab involved in the crash left the scene but was later found by police nearby.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police confirmed a man and woman had died but said it was still unclear exactly what had happened and they want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, of West Midlands Police’s collision investigation unit, said: "A man and woman have tragically died and our first thoughts are with their family members and friends at this traumatic time.

"It's still unclear exactly what happened and we're in the process of trying to trace, and speak to, anyone who was in the area at the time.

“We're particularly keen to hear from anybody who has dash cam footage.

"We'll be doing all we can to support those who have lost loved ones tonight and I'd urge people to think of them and not widely speculate.

“Please come to us with what information you have so we can help them by getting answers."

Tributes on social media suggested that the couple were married and had five children.

A tribute on a community Facebook page said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Brother Mohammed Shadab and his beloved wife.

"They were both victims of a road traffic accident on Fox Hollies Road, Acocks Green. They leave behind five young children."

Witnesses described how onlookers tried to save the couple in the aftermath of the crash.

Saif Minhas, 47, said: "We heard a bang from the road and ran out. There were two people lying on the floor on the other side of the road and bleeding heavily.

"The bike was ahead of them facing down the road. The car wasn’t there so must’ve driven off.

"Lots of people were already with them and we checked for a pulse but there was nothing there".

Some who saw the accident said it appeared that the man had died immediately but paramedics desperately tried to save the woman.

Local councillor Roger Harmer, who lives 200 yards from the scene of the incident, said cars regularly speed on the road.

He said: "There is a dual carriageway but at parts of the road cars are parked on the inside lane.

"This is fine if everyone goes 30mph because they have time to slow down and overtake the parked cars but this is not ok if people are speeding.

"I would really like to see average speed cameras on this road.

"The police regularly have mobile speed cameras on the road and they catch a lot of people."

Watch: Kate Silverton on being held hostage by the man that would become her husband