A mum has paid tribute to her 16-year-old son who died after a shooting in Birmingham.
Diego Henry was found with a gunshot wound in Lighthorne Avenue in the Ladywood area of the city shortly after midday on November 5.
He died in hospital two days later.
His mother, who hasn’t been named, said her son ‘was a pleasant and well-mannered young man, who would easily put a smile on anyone’s face’ and had a ‘passion for music’.
In a statement released by the force, she said: ‘Diego will be sadly missed by his mother, father, siblings and exceedingly large circle of family and friends.
‘Diego always expressed a passion for music and would be seen singing, dancing or rapping wherever he was.
‘The circumstances surrounding Diego’s death is shocking for all, but the family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone for their continuous support, prayers and well wishes.’
West Midlands Police said it is ‘continuing to piece together’ what happened to Diego after the body of a second teenager was found near the scene.
While investigating Diego’s death, officers were searching shrubland at the nearby canal when they discovered the body of a 17-year-old boy and a gun on Friday.
A post-mortem examination to determine the second boy’s cause of death is set to take place on Monday.
West Midlands Police are treating this as ‘linked to the murder of Diego’ but said that officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.
A 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of Diego’s murder remains on police bail.
Detective Superintendent Shaun Edwards said: ‘This is a complex investigation and a tragic set of circumstances. My sympathies truly remain with the families of both boys.
‘We are pursuing several lines of enquiry, but we still ask that anyone who has information, and hasn’t spoken to us, should contact us.
‘We have increased our uniformed patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the community, please speak to them if you have any concerns.’
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
