Tributes paid to JLR engineer stabbed to death outside Asda in Redditch

Tributes have been paid to a Jaguar Land Rover engineer who was stabbed to death outside a supermarket after a teenage boy was charged with his murder.

Ian Kirwan, 53, was found critically injured after being knifed in front of horrified shoppers at the Asda store in Redditch, last Tuesday (8/3).

He died at the scene from a stab wound despite the best efforts of medics and an off-duty nurse.

A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has since been charged with murder and appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Friday (11/3).

Today (Monday, March 14) Ian’s devastated family paid tribute to the "warmest and kindest" husband who had the "daftest sense of humour" and was a talented musician and animal lover.

What has the family statement said in full?

In a statement released via West Mercia Police, they said: "We are completely devastated by the loss of Ian.

"He was the warmest, kindest man who loved his family and friends dearly.

"Anyone who knew him would have known him to be both intelligent and humble and there for anybody in need.

"He worked as a software engineer contractor for Jaguar Land Rover, a job he loved and was incredibly passionate about. His colleagues are shaken by his loss.

"Ian had the warmest, silliest, daftest sense of humour that you couldn’t help loving and laughing at.

"He brought great comfort to those around him and gave the best bear hugs that made you feel safe, protected and loved.

"With a fun and happy home life he was an absolute home bird who enjoyed nothing more than time with his wife, family and close friends.

"A loving uncle, not just to his three nephews but also to his friends’ children too.

"His silliness, sense of adventure and love of science and nature made him such a fun uncle to spend time with.

"Not only did he bring happiness and fun to his nieces and nephews, they brought him great joy too as he doted on them.

"Ian was an accomplished musician who loved music and was a talented guitar player.

"He was also passionately concerned about caring for the planet and justice for others - he had more than his fair share of compassion and showed it every day.

"An avid animal lover, he loved his rabbits and cat and spoiled them rotten, giving them attention way before greeting his wife.

"He also often rescued and cared for injured and lost animals.

"After sharing 20 years together, Ian leaves behind a loving wife who is heartbroken and describes him as her absolutely favourite person.

"She has now been robbed of her future with him. He also leaves behind a devastated sister and sister-in-law, and their two young boys, who will miss out on all of the fun and silly memories that they should have created with him.

"He comes from a large family who are all distraught. Ian was particularly close to his mom’s sister and brother but really enjoyed spending time with all of his family near and far.

"On his wife’s side, his mother-in-law, partner, brother and sister-in-law, nephew and extended family found him adorable, they loved spending time with him and are also devastated by his loss.

"But his close friends were his family too and he was always there for them when they needed him. They are all now shocked and broken by Ian’s death.

"In this terrible time we have really appreciated the warmth of so many people who have come together to support us.

"We send our absolute gratitude to the off duty nurse who tried to save Ian and who was there with him at the end, to the paramedics who attended, the police and our family liaison officer, the staff at Asda, to all of our friends and family who have reached out and to the wider Redditch community and beyond who have shown their support either in messages directly to us or via social media and to all those that have laid flowers at the scene.

"No one ever imagines losing someone in this terrible way, so senseless and needlessly.

"A hole has been created in our lives that can never be filled but the love and support we have received is helping us begin to try to find a way to work through this awful tragedy."

Are police still investigating the case?

Ian was reportedly attacked after accidentally bumping into a gang of youths outside the supermarket.

In total 11 youths, from the south Birmingham area, were arrested in connection with the attack.

One of the boys was charged with murder while three faced further questioning and seven were released to face no further action.

A force spokesperson said last week: "Redditch Asda has now reopened and Safer Neighbourhood Officers are maintaining a highly visible presence in the town.

"Officers continue to ask anyone who was in the area of Asda around the time of the incident and saw, or captured on dash cam, anything that could help enquiries to please get in touch.

"Officers are currently offering Ian’s family their full support at this extremely difficult time."

What else have the emergency services  said about the murder?

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said previously: "We were called to an incident on Jinnah Road at 7.19pm last night.

"Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and two Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Cars attended the scene.

"On arrival we discovered a male patient who was in a critical condition.

"Ambulance staff administered advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

Anyone with information can visit: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/22HQ22E18-PO1.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously or 0800 555 111.

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