Telford murder probe: Police reassure community as attack victim named
Police have reassured the people of Telford as tributes were paid to Derek Whyteside, who died after an attack in the town.
It comes as a 16-year-old charged with his murder appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court.
Extra patrols continued today in the area where Mr Whyteside died.
His name was released last night, as friends and family paid tribute to him, led by his partner Michelle.
Hundreds have taken to social media to offer their condolences.
Mr Whyteside, 42, of Chesterfield Road, Dawley died of his injuries after being rushed to hospital at around 4.30pm on Monday. He was found unconscious in Withywood Drive, Malinslee.
An online fund set up to help Mr Whyteside's family has already reached more than £800.
Hannah Lloyd, who set up the page, said: "Weʼre raising £1,500 to show our support as a community to the Telford family from Dawley who have recently lost their family member."
The crowdsourcing appeal can be seen at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/malinslee
Meanwhile, residents in Withywood Drive spoke of their shock at the incident. One woman, who asked not to be named, said it was heartbreaking.
"Nobody deserves for this to to happen," she said. "I've lived around here all my life and it is a real shock.
"It makes you feel unsafe. It makes you feel like you don't want to live here anymore."
Elsewhere, people took to Facebook to share their thoughts for Derek and his family.
Meena Balha said: "Sad to hear this awful news. Thoughts and prayers to all the family."
Katrina Slater said: "No family should ever have to go through this heartache.
"I hope the justice system doesn’t fail this time."
Jenny Collins said: "True heartbreaking, no family should have to go through this. This world is a scary place."
Kim Hagan said: "I will never understand how someone can do this to another person."
The16-year-old charged with Mr Whyteside's murder appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court yesterday and was remanded in custody to appear at Stafford Crown Court at a date to be fixed.
Two men arrested in connection with the attack have been released on police bail. A woman and two other teenage boys have been released under investigation.
Superintendent Tom Harding said: "Incidents of this nature have a significant impact on our local communities and I will ensure we have officers in the local area over the coming days to offer reassurance to local residents. Anyone who is concerned can speak to an officer on patrol or to call us.
"We are working tirelessly to help make our communities even safer and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure we do this.
"I would like to reinforce my commitment to making sure we tackle violent crime and that our local communities can go about their daily lives without fear of crime."
Anyone with information about the assault can report this to West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 522 180618.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
