Family’s heartbreak as boy, 15, dies after stabbing at shopping centre in West Bromwich

The heartbroken family of a 15-year-old stabbed to death by a shopping centre in West Bromwich have paid tribute to their “fun and mischievous” boy.

Isaac Brown was attacked by the New Square shopping centre in the town centre just after 9.15pm on Sunday.

He was pronounced dead by paramedics shortly after they were called to the scene, which remains cordoned off for forensic searches.

In a tribute, the victim’s family said he was a “wonderful, loving, kind, happy son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin”.

They said he was “fun and mischievous, always smiling and always there to help”.

“We are unable to understand what has happened,” the family said in a statement issued through West Midlands Police.

“We just want him back and this not to have happened.”

The teenager arrested on Monday remains in custody for questioning, West Midlands Police said.

Detective Inspector Ade George, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Isaac and we have specially trained officers in place to support them.

“We hope the arrest provides some reassurance to the community as we understand the concern the tragic incident has caused to those living, working and visiting the town centre.”

He added: “We are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the area last night around the time of the incident and urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat on the force website or by calling 101 quoting 3772 of April 7.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 3772 of 7 April, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111