16 March 2023 , 11:53
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The man believed to have been killed by hammer-wielding thieves in a brazen daylight robbery has been named and pictured for the first time.
Tributes are flowing in for Darren 'Wiffa' Smith a day after he was killed at Shard End, a popular shopping precinct in Birmingham.
One person wrote that Darren had a "heart of gold" and hearing about the news was "devastating".
"Wiff [you] will be missed fella," they said.
Another wrote: "Coming home to the hear the shocking news of Darren Wiffa Smith, his life taken over a personal possession. Awful news... rest in peace."
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One tribute said: "Absolutely gutted... such a great guy. I’ve got so many funny memories with you Wiffa until we meet again I will treasure them.
"Rest in eternal peace."
West Midlands Police said a murder investigation is now underway after the incident just before 3pm yesterday.
A murder investigation is underway (Joseph Walshe / SWNS)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."
Darren was found with fatal head injuries and police are keeping an "open mind" over the possible motive.
They are reviewing CCTV in the area as the investigation continues.
One friend said hearing Darren had died was 'devastating'A blue tent was erected as parents collected their children from a school nearby and two ambulances, a paramedic officer and Midlands Air Ambulance were all called to the scene.
The witness continued: "There were kids around, its terrible. A blue tent has since been set up. It doesn't look good."
Tributes poured in for Darren, also known as 'Wiffa', and one person said he was "such a great guy".
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Darren was found with fatal injuries at a popular shopping precinct in Birmingham.Another person said: "Absolutely gutted, such a great guy.
"I’ve got so many funny memories with you Wiffa until we meet again I will treasure them. Rest in eternal peace."
Police said: "We've started a murder investigation after a man sustained fatal head injuries in Birmingham.
"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 force said Darren's family has been informed and are being supported.