Police appeal for help to catch Ben Morutare's killer

Detectives were today trying to piece together the crucial 45 minutes leading up to the murder of Walsall teenager Ben Morutare.

A fresh appeal was today issued in the hunt for the 16-year-old's killer.

House-to-house inquiries have been continuing and the club remains sealed off as police search for clues into how the teenager died.

He was found just yards from Smethwick Home Guard & Old Comrades Club at 1.30am on Saturday, after attending an 18th birthday party.

Det Insp Gary Plant, from Force CID, said: "We do not underestimate the devastating impact the death of this young man will have on his family and the local community.

"We will do everything within our power to establish how Ben died. Officers continue to conduct house-to-house inquiries and part of the area around the club is still currently cordoned off.

"I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support as we continue with our investigations and would urge anyone who can help us with any information to speak to us at their earliest opportunity."

Family liaison officers are supporting Ben's family, who were today too distressed to speak.

Police were twice called to the social club, in Oldbury Road, on Saturday morning,

A call was made to officers at around 12.45am over reports of a disturbance. But when they arrived, they were told by door staff police were no longer needed as there were no signs of disorder.

Another emergency call was made just before 1.30am, when officers came across a large group of people in the street following a disturbance. It is believed Ben was stabbed in the leg during that incident.

Police now want to know what happened during that intervening 45-minute period.He was found in the car park of the Asra day centre, opposite the club, and later died at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.