THE university that tragic 21-year-old student Rebecca McManus, who was killed on Saturday at a Quinton bus stop, attended has paid tribute to her.

Professor Peter Womack, head of the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, praised the Oldbury student.

He said: “Rebecca was an exploring, adventurous poet, and an active and popular member of the creative writing group.

“She was a benign, quietly intellectual presence, head bowed over the page, wearing her trade-mark red beret, a bit shy, but keen to discuss a wide range of matters, from high philosophy to Facebook, and always gentle and generous in her interactions with others."

Rebecca was due to graduate this Summer and had returned from Norwich to attend a friend's hen party in Birmingham city centre.

She was waiting at a bus stop on Hagley Road West at 7.50pm on Saturday night when a car ploughed into her and another young woman, who is now in hospital fighting for her life. He added: “She was a truly lovely young woman, serious but humorous, thoughtful but quirky, committed to writing and thinking but able to have a giggle.

“Her death is an irreplaceable loss, and she will be much missed by those who studied with her and by those who taught her.”

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and continues to help police with their enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact the collision investigation unit on 101 or alternatively they can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers, the independent charity, on 0800 555 111.