Ben Morutare named as Smethwick club stab victim

Ben Morutare Ben Morutare was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital

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A 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the leg and died from his injuries has been named by West Midlands Police.

Ben Morutare, of Walsall, was injured during a disturbance near the Smethwick Home Guard and Old Comrades Club in Smethwick, early on Saturday.

Police were called to the club less than an hour beforehand but believe Ben was injured in the outside disturbance.

He was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital but died from his wound. Police have launched a murder inquiry.

Ben had been attending an 18th birthday party at the venue.

'Isolated incident'

Officers were first called to the club at 00:45 BST but were told by door staff they were not needed because there were no signs of disorder.

A second emergency call was made at about 01:30 BST and police came across a number of people in the street.

Det Insp Gary Plant said the inquiry followed "the tragic loss of this young man's life".

He said: "We believe that this was an isolated incident and crime of this type is very rare.

"We do not underestimate the devastating impact the death of this young man will have on his family and the local community."

The scene remains cordoned off and officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

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