Rowley Regis: Family pay tribute to 'brightest star' after fatal crash

A 14-year-old who died after being hit by a car on New Year's Eve has been described by her family as their "brightest star".

Olivia Kolek was struck by a grey Mercedes in Rowley Regis, Sandwell, at about 4.45pm on Friday.

West Midlands Police confirmed the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.

A family statement, released through police, said: “Our love, our heart, our life. We will love you forever and longer.

“She had a lot of plans for so many things to do. She was the brightest star in our life.

“We ask that our privacy is respected at this time.”

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by driving while under the influence of drugs and has been released under investigation while police carry out further inquiries.

Witnesses, including anyone with dashcam footage of the Mercedes before the crash in Station Road, near Rowley Regis station, are urged to contact police by live chat on the West Midlands Police website, or to email FL_COLLISION_INVEST@westmidlands.police.uk