Dog and owner knocked down in 'utterly shocking' hit and run robbery

A man run down by a car and robbed as he walked his dog in Cradley Heath was hit so hard he was knocked through a shop window.

The 28-year-old and his pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier were walking along Halesowen Road at 3am on July 7 when a blue Mondeo drove into them at speed.

As the victim lay injured, the car's driver and passengers snatched a bracelet, as well as chains from his neck, before fleeing the scene.

Both dog and owner are recovering from cuts and bruises at home having escaped serious injury.

West Midlands Police have launched a public appeal for information into the "utterly shocking" incident and have issued images of three men spotted in a nearby shop shortly before the robbery.

Detective Sergeant Martin Richardson, who is leading the investigation, said the dog and his owner were very fortunate to have escaped "serious injury or even death" at the hands of "reckless" individuals. He said the dog remained very distressed.

A force spokesperson said an investigation team has been working "round the clock" since the incident was reported, gathering CCTV, forensic evidence and conducting specialist vehicle checks.

DS Richardson stressed why it was also vital that the public contact the police with information:

Those with information can call West Midlands Police on 101 ext. 811 3087 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime number 20SW/152098L/18.