As per reports, hammer-wielding criminals who were attempting to take a man with a “heart of gold” designer watch killed him.
Locally known as Darren Smith, the victim was attacked yesterday just before 3 p.m. at the Heath Way in Shard End, Birmingham.
Despite the efforts of the paramedics, the man was declared dead at the site.
Friends of Mr. Smith, who were described to be “wonderful guys,” have said they will never forget him.
In a statement, Darren’s relatives said: ‘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.’
Emergency services attends scene in Birmingham after man murdered for Rolex
Witnesses said Mr Smith, believed to be aged in his 50s, was attacked with a hammer or another weapon for his Rolex watch outside a row of shops.
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, it’s terrible. A blue tent has since been set up. It doesn’t look good.’
Posting online one friend said they were ‘devastated’ by the news.
Another wrote: ‘Coming home to the hear the shocking news of Darren Wiffa Smith, his life taken over a personal possession. Awful news… rest in peace.”
One tribute said: ‘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.’
West Midlands Ambulance Service said 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.’
West Midlands Police only confirmed they were responding to ‘an incident’ and have released no further details since Wednesday evening.
A police spokesperson said: ‘We currently have officers at shops in Heath Way in Shard End while we respond to an incident.
‘There is a cordon in place and we’ll provide more information when we have a fuller understanding of what has happened.’