THE heartbroken family of a Dudley father-of-one killed when his car smashed into a lamppost have spoken about their devastating loss.

Craig Griffiths, aged 26, tragically died when the accident took place on Birmingham New Road at around 10.20pm on Tuesday, September 29.

A passenger, also aged 26, who was in the car at the time, suffered minor injuries and West Midlands Police continue to investigate the crash.

But, in a statement, Mr Griffiths’ family paid tribute to the “shy young man with an infectious smile”.

They also said the keen car enthusiast had a passion for driving and was planning to follow his father’s vocation of driving HGV’s for a career and that he had a bright future ahead of him.

They said: “Craig was a wonderful and loving son and brother and a brilliant father to his five-year-old daughter and it’s been a very difficult time for all of the family and a large number of Craig’s friends.

“He was a quiet and shy young man with a cheeky, infectious smile and he would do anything for anyone always put others first.”

Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Craig’s family have been left devastated by their loss and ask for people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.

“Our investigation is on-going and we appeal for anyone with any information to contact us on 101.”