The Repair Shop star Jay Blades' uncle 'stabbed to death on quiet street'

Jay Blades' late uncle was allegedly stabbed to death on a quiet residential street in a row over a shared alleyway. The Repair Shop star revealed the news on Instagram on Monday, as he announced a break from social media following the tragedy.

Blades explained how his uncle had been "murdered a few weeks ago" and told of how the traumatic experience had left him in shock, the Mirror reports. It's since been reported Richard Brathwaite, 72, was found dead on Cromwell Road in Wembley around lunchtime on March 21.

A row with a neighbour reportedly escalated over items in the shared alleyway between their homes, it' was claimed. Mr Blades' 71-year-old aunt Annetta called police when she discovered her husband had been stabbed.

She also sustained injuries, suffering cuts to her head and face. The suspect was arrested later outside Wembley police station, according to MyLondon.

A special post-mortem examination conducted two days later determined the victim's cause of death as a stab injury. A man was charged with murder, wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place when he appeared in court on March 26.

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC informed the Old Bailey in March the alleged murder occurred following a "long-running neighbour dispute between the defendant and the deceased". Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC scheduled a plea hearing for 11th June, setting a three-week provisional trial from 27th January next year.

Dressed in his signature flat cap and glasses, the usually cheerful TV personality shared an emotional video message to his followers on Monday. Blades admitted news of his uncle's death had hit him hard.

"Hope you're all well. This is kind of like a public service announcement. I've just been to my uncle's funeral, he was murdered a few weeks ago. Really, super nice guy, shouldn't have happened to him, but it really affected me."

He shared the event had left him feeling "a little bit messed up." Blades then explained his decision to step back from the digital world to focus on his mental health, reassuring fans his departure would be brief.

"So what I'm intending on doing is this... I'm coming off social media for a bit, and I'll be back in a bit. Going to go and get some therapy and just chill out", he said, stressing the need to "taking stock" in light of recent events.

Wrapping up his message, Jay said: "Please, take care of each other, take care of yourself, and I'll see you guys soon."

Blades was flooded with support in the comment section underneath his video message, with former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin telling the grieving star: "I am so sorry to hear this, sending you love xx."

One of Blades' followers told the BAFTA winning star: "So sorry for your tragic loss Jay. Take as much time as you need to cope with your grief. We all cope with grief differently, when you're ready we will be ready for you."

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