Grieving family pay tribute to victim Ben Morutare

The grieving family of a Walsall teenager who was murdered outside a Black Country club today paid tribute to him.

Relatives of Ben Morutare from Coalpool, who died after attending an 18th birthday party on Friday night at Smethwick Home Guard & Old Comrades Club, described him as a "protective son and brother".

Ben was stabbed in the leg during a disturbance in the early hours of Saturday. The 16-year-old was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where he later died.

His family today released the following statement: "Ben was a beloved son, brother and nephew. Ben was loved dearly by his family and many more who knew him.

"One thing our Ben never forgot was to constantly remind his family, especially his mom, how much he loved and cared for them. He was a protective son and brother.

"Ben would never hurt anyone, he was such a loveable child.

"Words cannot express how much we miss our Ben and the pain we are enduring. We fully appreciate all the witnesses who have come forward so far and we kindly ask and encourage other people who may have information to come forward."

Police have been interviewing several people who had been at the party. Extra information received by the investigation team led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man in Dudley on Wednesday night.

He remains in police custody, being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Det Insp Gary Plant, from the force criminal investigation department, is leading the murder inquiry.

He today urged other people who were at the party to come forward.

He said: "We've heard from a number of people who were at the party and we are very grateful to them, but we know there are many more who may have seen something who have not yet been in touch."

Anyone with information can contact Force CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.