Harleigh Hepworth: Tributes to ‘funny and handsome’ young footballer stabbed to death in Wolverhampton park

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Detectives nonetheless searching the killer of a 17-year-old boy stabbed to death in a park have launched a photograph of the tragic teenager as tributes flooded in for the boy.

Harleigh Hepworth, from Rugeley, was attacked in West Park in Wolverhampton and was pronounced useless on the scene by paramedics at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

A bystander tried to save him by performing CPR earlier than West Midlands Ambulance Service groups took over. No arrests have been made to date.

The image of Harleigh launched by West Midlands Police reveals him in a Hednesford Town soccer high having gained a cup in the native Walsall Junior Youth Football League.

Family pal Billy Brown stated: “Yet again another life lost to knife crime and this needs to stop. Seriously we can all get ourselves into situations and later on regret it in life.

“I’m absolutely shocked and horrified by the incident that’s happened to a close family friend. He was loved so much by everyone a funny, cracking, handsome young lad that was taken far too soon from us.”

He added: “It would be a loving great idea to have a memorial or some kind of stand made for our lad Harleigh Hepworth just to remember who he was and remember this was his home town too.”

Another posted on Facebook: “I have no words 17 is no age. I have some fond memories of him and my daughter when they were babies, dinner dates and growing up together the school plays and birthday parties.

“To hear this has blown my mind. Thinking of all the kids that knew him and that will be affected by this news. It is time to come together! RIP Harleigh at least you are reunited with your mum.”

Chief Superintendent Richard Fisher of Wolverhampton Police supplied an replace on the “tragic loss of a young life” on Friday.

He stated: “Another young life has tragically been taken by knife crime and our focus is bringing those responsible to justice. We are keeping Harleigh’s family updated with this fast-moving investigation and our thoughts are with them at this devastating time.

“We would like to thank the people of Wolverhampton, and particularly those in this area of West Park, who have been coming forward with information following this awful incident.

“And we would ask anyone who’s yet to speak to us but believes they can help, to contact us.”