Three arrests after dad died during ‘hammer robbery for luxury watch’

17 March 2023, 12:52

Mr Smith was said to have been attacked for his watch
Mr Smith was said to have been attacked for his watch. Picture: Social media

By Asher McShane

Three men have been arrested after a father died during a suspected robbery for a luxury watch.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Horrified shoppers watched as Darren Smith, 50, was ambushed by thugs at the Shard End shopping centre in Birmingham.

An eyewitness claimed he had been attacked with a hammer in a bid to steal a designer watch.

Detectives have said they understand he might have been the victim of robbery but were keeping an "open mind".

West Midlands Police said today that three arrests had been made.

"The men - aged 31, 35 and 53 - were detained in Devon yesterday (16 March) and have been brought back to a West Midlands custody block for questioning over his death," a statement said.

An eyewitness told the Express: "A 50-year-old bloke has been attacked with a hammer or something similar for his Rolex.

"It was crazy, there were police helicopters overhead and dozens of police and ambulances. All this was happening at the end of the school day. There were kids around, it's terrible.

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

One heartbroken social media user said: "Spent half the night awake thinking of you Wiff… looking back through old messages, smiling at the laughs, the stories & the utter madness you brought, there was never a dull moment with you around, our very own ginger Tasmanian devil..

"To think you’ve been taken from this life… for a possession angers me & breaks my heart.

Mr Smith was killed in Birmingham
Mr Smith was killed in Birmingham. Picture: Social media

"Darren Wiffa Smith you lived a colourful life.. you were the funniest lad, the biggest lovable rogue.. and just as you were pushing life to its full potential, just like that…. you’re gone."

Another said: "Coming home to the hear the shocking news of Darren Wiffa Smith , his life taken over a personal possession. Awful news."

Mr Smith was found seriously injured outside shops on Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 using log 2653 of 15 March.

If confirmed, it would follow a spate of high-profile expensive watch robberies.

In London, a group dubbed the "Rolex rippers" were jailed after a spate of terrifying knifepoint watch robberies throughout the capital.

They made their victims fear for their lives as they threatened them with a large knife or machete and stole watches and a bag.

Read more: Thug pointed gun in the face of boxer Amir Khan and shouted ‘take off your watch’ during terrifying armed robbery

But their spree was halted after they botched an escape and cops were able to track them down.

A man was convicted earlier this year of robbing elite Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish at knifepoint in his own home.

Romario Henry, 31, of Lewisham in South East London, was found guilty of two counts of robbery.

Cavendish and his wife Peta had their high-value watches robbed at knifepoint at their home in Ongar, Essex.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Trump is living in a ‘disinformation space’, says Zelenskyy as he hits back at US for ‘helping’ Putin 'come out of isolation'

Examples of 'zombie knives' at a secure police location in Birmingham. Underage teenagers buying knives online remains 'a really concerning picture' for police, with illegal dealers selling weapons via social media.

Labour announces crackdown on online knife sellers as weapons 'easier for young people to buy than paracetamol'

Ukraine 'could partner with Europe' if sidelined from negotiations - as Ben Wallace brands Trump remarks 'pure Disney'

Ukraine 'could partner with Europe' if sidelined from negotiations - as Ben Wallace brands Trump remarks 'pure Disney'

Raducanu was seen wiping away her tears

Tearful Emma Raducanu hides behind umpire after being confronted by 'fixated man' who is then dragged away

Pope Francis

Pope Francis fears he 'may not survive' as Pontif battles 'complex' double pneumonia

False killer whales became stranded on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, on a remote beach on near Arthur River in Australia's island state of Tasmania.

Horror as nearly 100 false killer whales set to be euthanised after mass stranding on Australian beach

Charlotte Peet has gone missing in Brazil.

Desperate hunt for missing Brit journalist, 32, who vanished almost two weeks ago in Brazil

Pete Doherty of The Libertines has shared a worrying health update.

Pete Doherty risks having toes amputated in battle with Type 2 Diabetes, rock star tells fans in health update

£60 Million Worth of Watches Stolen in Britain Last Year Amid Rising Global Watch Crime

UK faces surge in luxury watch theft as stolen timepieces top £1.6 billion with £60 million taken in Britain last year alone

A graphic depiction of Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, the two documentary makers behind the project are now facing criticism over the children featured.

BBC blasted for 'blindly spouting propaganda' over claims Gaza documentary features Hamas leader's son

Alice da Silva Aguiar was one of the three children killed

Mother of Southport attack victim praises local community as she speaks out for the first time since knife rampage

Price reduction. Shopping basket containing only reduced price food, England, UK

UK inflation rises to 3% as households feel the squeeze

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - February 18, 2025

ASAP Rocky embraces Rihanna as US rapper found not guilty of firing gun at former friend

Trump suggests Ukraine responsible for Russian invasion as he calls on country to elect new leader

Trump demands Zelenskyy hold elections as he suggests Ukraine responsible for Russian invasion

Rick Buckler

Rick Buckler, drummer of The Jam, dies aged 69 - former bandmate Paul Weller confirms

Kitchen knives on a magnetic bar holder on the wall

Round-edged blades safer alternatives than sharp-pointed kitchen knives, research shows - in bid to tackle knife crime