A Black Country man has been charged with the murder of Benjamin Morse, who died after a hit-and-run crash in Halesowen.

Unemployed Nidal Alboraiki, aged 21, of Foxhunt Road, Halesowen, appeared before Dudley Magistrates Court today charged with murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice by concealing evidence relating to a Vauxhall Corsa car.

Wearing a black padded jacket over a light grey T-shirt, he spoke only to give his name and date of birth. He is due to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday. The 36-year-old victim was struck by a car in Cherry Street, Halesowen, shortly after midnight on May 1.

Mr Morse, a labourer from Yew Tree Road, Halesowen, was hit by a dark-coloured hatchback at around 12.15am. Medics battled to save him but he died from head injuries a short time later, an inquest last week heard.

He had been drinking with three friends at a local pub and shared a taxi with them before he was knocked over.

In a tribute, his family described the fun-loving Arsenal fanatic as a 'kind and loving son, brother, uncle and friend who would do anything for anyone.'

Hundreds of people have contributed to a fundraising appeal set up for Mr Morse's funeral which has raised more than £7,500.

Five other men arrested in connection with the incident are all currently on police bail.

Two men, aged 31 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and three men, aged 21, 22 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of murder.