Heartbreaking tributes to ‘lovely lad’ killed in ‘targeted and vicious attack’ by armed gang in Walsall town centre
TRIBUTES have poured in for a “lovely lad” allegedly killed in a “targeted and vicious attack” by a group armed with weapons.
Bailey Atkinson, in his 20s, died after being set upon near an Asda in Walsall, West Mids, in the early hours of Saturday.
He was rushed to hospital following the 1.20am horror but tragically died two hours later.
In a heart-breaking statement, his grieving family said: “Our kind-hearted and much-loved son, brother and grandson.
“Bailey was so loved, by so many and will be missed so much.”
Broken friends also took to social media to share their tributes to a “beautiful boy” who was “very loved”.
Angel-Lee posted on Facebook: “Rest in peace to my beautiful boy. My first little love.
“You were really one of a kind and I’m so lucky to have spent these years with you.”
While another wrote: “Rest peacefully Bailey you were such a lovely lad.”
A third told how they “can’t get my head around this”.
A GoFundMe page towards Bailey’s funeral has raised almost £1000.
It says: “If you knew Bailey you know he would do anything for anybody. He was a very loved person by many and he always gave the love back he received.”
Det Insp Laura Harrison of West Midlands police said: “It’s very early in the investigation, but this appears to be a targeted and vicious attack involving a group of men carrying weapons.
“We’re supporting the victim’s family at this awful time, and are working hard to identify those responsible.
“We’ve already recovered CCTV and continue to work at the scene today.”
Flowers have since been placed at the scene which is in the town centre.
West Midlands Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage.
You can get in touch quoting log 225 of January 28.
Alternatively you can chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.