Crash victim's widow appeals

David Evans' wife also worked at Shireland Language College

The widow of a man who was run over by a hit-and-run driver near to the school where they both worked has made an appeal for help in catching his killer.

David Evans, 55, was knocked down outside Shireland Language College in Smethwick near Birmingham, just after 1350 GMT on Tuesday.

The crash on Waterloo Road was seen by several students who have been helping the police try to trace the driver.

Mr Evans' wife, Jane, 57, who is deputy head at Shireland College, spoke to reporters at West Midlands Police headquarters on Thursday.

She said: "His death has left all of our family devastated.

"Whoever did this has deprived me and my children of a man who was very important in our lives. Our adviser, our counsellor, our refuge in times of difficulty."

This is what makes his death through a hit and run accident so tragic. It represents everything he disliked Jane Evans

She said that her husband had given up driving 20 years ago.

She added: "He was not comfortable with cars not only because of their effect on the environment but also because of the misery and trauma associated with traffic accidents.

"This is what makes his death through a hit and run accident so tragic. It represents everything he disliked."

Mrs Evans urged people to come forward with information to save another family going through a similar experience.

Detectives say Mr Evans, who was an administrative assistant at the college, was knocked down by a car that sped away without stopping.

The father-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers are trying to trace a black Daihatsu car, registration DU03 LWX, which was stolen earlier in the month.

Police believe the vehicle may have been damaged.

Head teacher Mark Grundy said: "We desperately want to catch whoever did this so they are made to pay for what they have done.

"They have devastated a family that has been committed in its support for the school over many years.

"Everyone at Shireland College is devastated - our thoughts are with David's wife Jane and her two daughters, Laura and Emily."