Chelmsley Wood bishop attack: 45-year-old clergyman in coma after having car stolen

The bishop suffered serious head injuries

Church of Latter Day Saints on Clopton Crescent in Chelmsley Wood, where a bishop was attacked (Google Maps )

A Mormon bishop has been placed into an induced coma after robbers attacked him as he opened his church in Solihull, according to police.

A passerby discovered the 45-year-old clergyman from Castle Bromwich lying in the road near the Church of Latter Day Saints on Clopton Crescent in Chelmsley Wood at around 9am on Sunday, after a “loud bang” was heard.

His silver Mazda CX5 Sport was stolen, and the man was dragged down the street as he clung onto a car, West Midlands police believe following initial inquiries.

The bishop was left suffering from a serious head injury after the ordeal.

The car was later recovered a short time later on nearby Starling Grove, and has been taken to a secure location where forensics will carry out a detailed examination.

Police are now attempting to track down those who attacked the bishop.

Sergeant Sam Price, from Chelmsley Wood police station: "We’ve conducted house to house and identified CCTV cameras in the area which may have captured the robbery."

It is not yet known whether the incident was a targeted attack, or how many people were involved.

Anyone with information which may aid Det Sgt Price’s investigation should call her on 101. Information can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.