A POPULAR West Bromwich Albion steward from Oldbury died after being run over near his home on Saturday night.

Mick Hodgetts, aged 54, worked at The Hawthorns and was knocked down on the Wolverhampton Road just after 9.30pm.

Mr Hodgetts, who lived nearby at Queensway, was treated at the scene by paramedics but died shortly after in hospital.

He was assistant chief steward at The Hawthorns for several years and worked in the Smethwick End.

Mark Miles, West Bromwich Albion’s head of facility operations and development, paid tribute to Mr Hodgetts.

He said: “The club is saddened to hear of the passing of assistant chief steward Mick Hodgetts.

“Mick was an integral part of our matchday operation. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Albion fans took to Twitter to express their shock at the death of Mr Hodgetts.

Craig Harris said: “Sad to hear of the passing of Mick Hodgetts. RIP,” and Julie Kealy added: “Really sad news about Albion steward Mick Hodgetts RIP mate, top bloke.”

Police launched an investigation into the incident which happened near the spot where two pensioners were killed earlier this year.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Officers were called to Wolverhampton Road near to Brandhall Lane junction just after 9.30pm following reports of a man in collision with a car.

"It appears from witnesses that the man may have just left a bus minutes before the collision.

“The 54-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries and despite the best efforts of medical staff he died a short time later.”

Police spoke to a driver at the scene of the accident. 

The road was closed whilst emergency services investigated the circumstances around the collision and was re-opened 2am.

Officers from the collision investigation unit are appealing to anyone who saw the collision or the movements of the man before the collision to call them by dialling 101.