Dea-John Reid: Birmingham boy, 14, ‘racially abused’ before fatal stabbing

Kingstanding stabbing
Dea-John Reid, 14, was stabbed to death
PA
Luke O'Reilly3 June 2021

A 14-year-old boy who was chased and stabbed to death in Birmingham has been named, as police say racist language was directed at him and his friends before the incident.

West Midlands Police formally identified Dea-John Reid as the teenager who was chased in College Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, on Monday about 7.30pm before being stabbed and collapsing.

Six people were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of murder, and four men in their 30s and two boys aged 13 and 14 remain in police custody.

The force said it was investigating racist language directed at Dea-John and his friends before the incident, and has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over previous incidents involving the victim.

A forensics officer at the scene on College Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham
PA Wire

In a tribute Reid's family described him as an “incredibly talented young boy”.

“We’d like to thank the emergency services for their diligence and support…and the public for their outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic and challenging time", they said.

“This loss not only affects us but everyone Dea-John knew, we have lost a son, his siblings have lost a brother and others have lost a friend. The passing of this incredibly talented young boy will be felt by us all. How many more mothers will have to mourn for their sons for this to stop?”

Kingstanding stabbing
Detective Chief Inspector Stu Mobberley from the force’s Homicide Unit said enquiries are ongoing
PA

Detective Chief Inspector Stu Mobberley from the force's Homicide Unit said enquiries are ongoing.

“New information is coming into the enquiry all the time and being assessed", he said.

“As the investigation has progressed we now believe there was an incident involving Dea-John and his friends shortly before the murder. That quickly escalated, resulting in Dea-John’s tragic death.

“During this precursor incident racist language was directed at Dea-John and his friends; that’s now being investigated.

“We’re still appealing for witnesses, anyone who saw or heard anything that could help our investigation, to get in touch so we can build up a clear picture of what happened.”

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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