Police and relatives are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was seriously injured following a hit-and-run in Rowley Regis.

Motorcyclist Graham Hickman, aged 52, who lives locally, remains in a critical condition in hospital following the crash. Investigating officers are interested in tracing a dark coloured convertible car spotted with its roof down which was seen in the area.

Mr Hickman was travelling along Birmingham Road just after 7.40pm on October 30 when it is believed he was struck by a vehicle. The engineer, who was riding a Harley Davidson bike, suffered serious head and leg injuries.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Birmingham, for further treatment. West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman Claire Brown said:

“Upon arrival ambulance staff found a motorcyclist, a man, unconscious with multiple serious injuries."

Mr Hickman’s family released a statement describing how 'shocked and devastated' they are by the crash. They said:

"Graham is a loving husband and father to three daughters, he is a hard working engineer, supportive and loyal to many friends - he is a good, honest man.

"We are understandably shocked and devastated by what has happened. He remains in a critical condition and we urge anyone who may possibly have seen or heard anything around the time the incident occurred, or who may have other information - no matter how small - to come forward as soon as possible and support the police in their on-going investigation."

Pc Damian Gibson, from the regional collision investigation unit, added: "I would like to appeal to potential witnesses who were in the area at the time and particularly anyone who saw a dark coloured convertible car with its roof down.

"We believe that this car is local to the area and may have crucial information; so I would urge the driver or anybody who saw the vehicle to contact police.

"If anyone in the local community has any information relating to this collision - however insignificant they feel it may be - I would like to hear from them."

Anyone with information can call the collision investigation unit on 101 quoting CIU203/16 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.