The family of a man believed to have been killed by hammer-wielding thieves in a shocking daylight robbery have made a heartbreaking plea to catch his killer.
Darren Smith - known to his friends as 'Wiffa' - died following the attack at Shard End, a popular shopping precinct in Birmingham.
A murder investigation is now underway as his family paid tribute to their 'loved and caring' son.
Tragic Mr Smith was killed as thieves attempted to steal his Rolex watch, it has been claimed.
The 50-year-old's broken relatives released a statement this afternoon and urged anyone with information to come forward.
His family 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."
He was given advanced life support at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Police have launched a murder probe but it is understood no arrests have yet been made.
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."
A police spokesperson said: "We were called after a man was found seriously injured after being attacked outside shops in Heath Way, Shard End, just after 2.50pm yesterday.
"The man was sadly confirmed dead shortly afterwards and his family have been informed.
"We'll be supporting them as much as we can at this deeply devastating time. We understand he may have been the victim of robbery but we're continuing to keep an open mind around the motive for the attack.
