Tributes pour in for Darren Smith, 50, killed by ‘hammer wielding thugs who tried to rob his Rolex watch’ in Birmingham

TRIBUTES are pouring in for the "caring and loving" man who was allegedly attacked with a hammer during a robbery for his Rolex watch.

Shoppers were said to have watched on in horror as Darren Smith, 50, was ambushed by thugs at the Shard End shopping centre in Birmingham.

Emergency services raced to the busy area and found Darren with fatal head injuries.

He sadly couldn't be saved and was declared dead at the scene on Thursday afternoon.

A murder probe has now been launched but no arrests have yet been made.

Darren's heartbroken family released a tribute this evening, saying his death left a "huge void" in their lives.

They 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."

Horrified shoppers claimed Darren was attacked in a broad daylight robbery for his designer timepiece, reports.

One 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, its terrible. A blue tent has since been set up. It doesn't look good."

West Midlands Police said the 50-year-old may have been the victim of a robbery but confirmed they are keeping an open mind.

A cordon is still in place today while detectives hunt for clues.

The force said: "We've started a murder investigation after a man sustained fatal head injuries in Birmingham.

"We'll have an increased policing presence in the area as we review all available CCTV and speak to as many people as possible to assist our investigation."

West Midlands Ambulance confirmed they were scrambled to the scene at around 2.55pm but "nothing more could be done".

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting log 2653 of 15 March.