Five youths held after boy’s knife killing

Five teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 16-year-old boy stabbed to death outside a party at a social club.

Ben Morutare, from Walsall, West Midlands, was knifed in the leg during a disturbance at the Smethwick Home Guard and Old Comrades Club in Oldbury Road, Smethwick, during the early hours of Saturday.

West Midlands Police said the youths, who ranged in age from 17 to 19 and came from Dudley, Birmingham, and West Bromwich were arrested on Thursday night. An 18-year-old arrested in Dudley on Wednesday has been bailed.

The victim, described as “protective” and “lovable”, was taken from the scene to Birmingham Children’s Hospital but he could not be saved.

In a statement released through police his family said: “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 mum, how much he loved and cared for them. He was a protective son and brother.

“Ben would never hurt anyone, he was such a lovable child. Words cannot express how much we miss our Ben and the pain we are enduring.”

Urging witnesses to call police, the family added: “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.”