Ladywood murder: heartbroken family pay tribute to victim

A man has been arrested for the murder of a man in Birmingham on Monday (21 February), who has been named as Robert West, also known as Bob Fresh.

The 49-year-old was found with fatal injuries outside the Cross Keys Banqueting Suite in Steward Street, Ladywood just after 3am, where he died at the scene.

A 43-year-old Birmingham man has now been detained on suspicion of murder and is now being questioned.

A cordon remains in place on Steward Street as our enquiries continue. We are still speaking to witnesses and studying CCTV from the area.

Family tribute to “loving husband and proud father”

Robert’s family have been made aware of this latest development and continue to be supported by our specialist officers.

They have released this tribute to him: “Robert West, also known as Bob Fresh to most, was a loving husband, a proud father, a son, an uncle, brother and a loyal friend to many. He was the kind of person who would go the extra mile for those he loved and cared for.

“We are all in shock, devastated and truly heartbroken. He will be dearly missed forever by all. Rest easy king. Gone but never forgotten.”

Police appeal for information

Detective Inspector Ade George, from the homicide unit, said: “Our sympathies remain with Robert’s family after his brutal death and we continue to support them in their time of grief.

“This arrest is a significant development in our investigation, but we are still asking for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you can help, message us via Live Chat on our website west-midlands.police.uk or call us on 101 quoting reference number 294 of 21 February. To stay anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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