A MAN remains in hospital after a fatal crash that killed two of his friends.

West Midlands Police confirmed 24-year-old Yaseen Mohammed and 28-year-old Mohammed Ashraf, both from Worcester, were killed in the crash in Bearwood, Birmingham.

They said the pair's deaths have had a profound effect on Mr Mohammed and Mr Ashraf's family and friends.

A third man, in his 20s, who suffered serious injuries remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Police are continuing to investigate what happened and have appealed for people to not speculate on the circumstances leading up to the crash.

The friends were in a Toyota Yaris when it hit a lamppost and caught fire near Lightwoods Park, just before 9.55pm on Tuesday (January 12).

West Midlands Police's investigation to establish exactly what happened is continuing and their devastated families have asked that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

Det Sergeant Paul Hughes, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "The death of these two friends is extremely tragic and has a profound impact not only on their families but also their friends.

"We would ask people not to speculate on the circumstances of the collision, but instead ask that everyone comes together at this sad time in supporting the family and respecting their wishes for privacy."

Worcester City councillor Jabba Riaz paid tribute to Mr Mohammed and Mr Ashraf.

He said: "It is a tragic loss of two young lives.

"My thoughts go out to their friends and family.

"Everybody knows them. They were kind and caring men. They would go out of their way to help the community.

"They have been taken back to their lord."

Mr Ashraf, a former pupil of Bishop Perowne High School, worked at Hillside Pizza in Malvern for several years before his death.

Officers have spoken to witnesses as part of their enquiries.

Anyone who has not yet been in touch with officers but has dash cam footage from around the time of the crash, or has any other information, should contact investigators.

Anyone with information should message West Midlands Police via Live Chat on the website, or by calling 101, and quote log 4263 of 11 January.

You can email investigators directly at FL_COLLISION_INVEST@westmidlands.police.uk.