A 13-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with murder after a man was fatally attacked and robbed near a skate park.
Jack Edwards, 24, was attacked near Sussex Street Skate Park in Nottingham at around 6.50pm on Tuesday.
He died in hospital on Thursday after sustaining “significant” head injuries, Nottinghamshire Police said.
On Monday the 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court charged with murdering Mr Edwards and robbing his bag.
Helen Wreford, chair of the bench of lay magistrates, remanded the boy into youth accommodation to appear before the city’s crown court on December 13.
The boy, appearing in a blue Adidas jacket, white shirt and black trousers, and supported by family in court, spoke only to confirm his identity at the hearing and was not asked to enter pleas.
We are still trying to process what has happened and comprehend the fact that Jack is no longer with us
Family of Jack Edwards
Members of the public gallery shouted “love you, lad” to him as he left the courtroom.
A 16-year-old girl, who cannot be identified, is also expected to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with robbing Mr Edwards.
In a statement, Mr Edwards’ family, who are from the Ashfield area of Nottinghamshire, said: “We are still trying to process what has happened and comprehend the fact that Jack is no longer with us.
“He was only 24 years old. It is difficult for us to put into words the emotions we are feeling right now but we are devastated.
“He was much loved and leaves behind a mum, a dad, a brother, a sister and many other family and friends.
“We have been by his bedside at the hospital throughout and we would like to thank the ambulance service and police officers who attended that evening, and the hospital staff.
“The support we have received has been overwhelming.
“We would now like to ask for privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
Police had previously arrested and charged an 18-year-old man with murder and robbery in connection with Mr Edwards’ death.
Kai Howitt, of Trent Boulevard, West Bridgford, Nottingham, appeared before Nottingham Crown Court on Monday and was remanded into custody until a further hearing on January 2 next year.
Five other teenagers previously arrested in connection with the incident have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
They are three boys aged 17, 13 and 12, and two girls aged 15 and 14.
We would still like to hear from anyone who feels they may have information that could assist our ongoing investigation, and who hasn’t already come forward
Detective Inspector Clare Gibson
Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Jack’s family have requested privacy at this extremely distressing time and our thoughts remain with them as they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“We would still like to hear from anyone who feels they may have information that could assist our ongoing investigation, and who hasn’t already come forward.
“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant you may think it may seem, could prove to be crucial to our enquiries.”
Anyone with information which may help police should contact the force on 101 quoting incident 635 of December 5.
