Family tribute to man, 29, stabbed in nightclub as police warn killers: 'We'll catch you'

The family of a 29-year-old man stabbed to death at a nightclub in the West Midlands have paid tribute to him, as police warned his killers: "We're going to catch you".

Akeem Francis-Kerr was fatally stabbed at Valesha's nightclub, also known locally as Colliseum, on Newport Street in Walsall town centre just after 5am on Saturday morning (11 March).

He was pronounced dead en route to hospital.

West Midlands Police has launched a murder enquiry and is appealing for people to come forward with information, while warning those responsible that they will be brought to justice.

In a tribute issued through the force, the 29-year-old victim's family said: "The universe has lost one of the greatest of men and his unmatched energy, mindset and love will forever live on."

Nobody has been arrested in connection with the stabbing yet, but Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby, from West Midlands Police, told the BBC: "My first message is to the offenders, we're going to catch you.

"So I would encourage you to hand yourself in as soon as possible, as the longer you leave that, the more that might go against you in a later court of law."

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He added: "You may have people who know who's done it, and we would encourage them to come forward as well because ultimately friends and family have lost a young person."

Police said Francis-Kerr's family are being supported by specialist officers who are keeping them updated.

The force said officers are speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from the area and a dedicated contact portal has been set up for anyone with information to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Ade George, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with Akeem’s family and friends as they come to terms with this terrible loss.

"We continue to urge people to come forward with information, a man has died and his family have the right to know what happened to him."