Mother of Aston Villa fan killed after local derby pays tribute to her son

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The mother of the football fan who died after he was hit by a car outside a Premier League football ground paid tribute to her son today.

Christopher Priest, 26, was killed after being struck by a Volkswagen Golf outside Villa Park in Aston, Birmingham, yesterday.

His mother Barbara said: "He was a wonderful son and didn't deserve this. He will be sadly missed by me, his dad Lee, sister Natalie and all his family."

The Aston Villa supporter from Sutton Coldfield suffered fatal injuries and three men have been arrested in connection with the inquiry, police said.

The incident occurred after Villa beat local rivals Birmingham City 5-1 but police have dismissed speculation that it was fuelled by team rivalry.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is continuing to help with inquiries.

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Tribute: Mourners lay flowers following the death of Aston Villa supporter Christopher Priest

"Two further men have also been arrested in the early hours of today by Kent Police in connection with the inquiry and transported to the West Midlands for questioning.

"A 21-year-old man from Birmingham has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 29-year-old man from Solihull has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender."

Mr Priest was heading home wearing a replica kit when the incident happened.

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Crime scene: Officers hunt for clues after an Aston Villa fan was mowed down by a fellow supporter after their team beat Birmingham City

Witnesses said that they saw hand gestures being exchanged with a man driving a car.

Police said the fan was hit at about 3pm and suffered fatal injuries during the incident in Aston Hall Road and a number of witnesses dialled 999 following the collision.

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Murder investigation: A police officer guards the crime scene outside the Villa Park ground

Ambulance crews gave emergency first aid to Mr Priest at the scene, before he was taken to Birmingham's City Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him.

It is believed the incident was captured on CCTV cameras positioned outside the football ground and the area has been taped off for forensic examinations.

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Villa Park: An Aston Villa fan was killed after his team beat Birmingham City 5-1

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "On arrival at the scene, crews found a man that had been in collision with car.

"The man was treated at the scene for multiple serious injuries and transferred to City Hospital on blue lights.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews and then hospital staff, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at hospital."