Boy, 14, 'racially abused' before being stabbed to death - Metro.co.uk

The victim was named as Dea-John Reid with his family paying tribute to him as an ‘incredibly talented young boy’ (Picture: West Midlands Police)

A 14-year-old boy was racially abused before he was stabbed to death, said police as they named the victim as Dea-John Reid.

The schoolboy and his friends were reportedly chased and subjected to racist language before Dea-John was killed in Kingstanding, Birmingham, on Monday evening.

Six people were arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday, including two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, and four men in their 30s.

They continue to be questioned in custody.

Dea-John’s family tonight paid tribute to the ‘incredibly talented young boy’ and called for an end to knife crime, asking: ‘How many more mothers will have to mourn for their sons for this to stop?’

West Midlands Police previously said said there was ‘nothing to suggest’ the stabbing was racially-motivated.

However, Detective Chief Inspector Stu Mobberley said tonight: ‘As the investigation has progressed we now believe there was an incident involving Dea-John and his friends shortly before the murder.

‘That quickly escalated, resulting in Dea-John’s tragic death.

Police believe the victim was subjected to racist abuse before the killing (Picture: PA)

Dea-John’s family called for an end to knife crime (Picture: PA)

Six people have been arrested in connection with the killing (Picture: Snapper SK)

‘During this precursor incident racist language was directed at Dea-John and his friends – that’s now being investigated.

‘We’re still appealing for witnesses, anyone who saw or heard anything that could help our investigation, to get in touch so we can build up a clear picture of what happened.’

West Midlands Police have voluntarily referred their investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after ‘looking at previous incidents involving’ Dea-John.

The family paid tribute to their Dea-John in a statement, saying: ‘We’d like to thank the emergency services for their diligence and support… and the public for their outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic and challenging time.

Dea-John died at the scene in Kingstanding, Birmingham, on Monday night

‘This loss not only affects us but everyone Dea-John knew, we have lost a son, his siblings have lost a brother and others have lost a friend.

‘The passing of this incredibly talented young boy will be felt by us all.’

The teenager was attacked at about 7.30pm on College Road at the junction with Wardour Grove. He died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination confirmed he died from a stab wound to the chest.

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2021-06-02 21:55:00Z
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