Tributes and flowers have been left for a Leicester student who was killed in a stabbing attack on New Year's Day.
Tributes and flowers have been left for a Leicester student who was killed in a stabbing attack on New Year's Day.
Bradley Whitfield, 16, died from a neck wound on Fosse Road South in the early hours. Four people have been arrested.
Bradley Whitfield, 16, died from a neck wound on Fosse Road South in the early hours. Four people have been arrested.
A man, 34, a woman, 31, a girl, 15 and a boy, 14, are in custody. It is thought a bottle or a piece of broken glass may have been used in the attack.
A man, 34, a woman, 31, a girl, 15 and a boy, 14, are in custody. It is thought a bottle or a piece of broken glass may have been used in the attack.
A family statement said: "We feel that we have been left with such a hole in our hearts."
A family statement said: "We feel that we have been left with such a hole in our hearts."
He was looking forward to a career as a PE instructor... he was never in any kind of trouble Shane Faulkner, close friend
He was looking forward to a career as a PE instructor... he was never in any kind of trouble Shane Faulkner, close friend
The statement continued: "Bradley was a loving son, brother, grandson and nephew. Everyone that knew him said what a lovely young lad he was.
The statement continued: "Bradley was a loving son, brother, grandson and nephew. Everyone that knew him said what a lovely young lad he was.
"Bradley had such a bright future ahead of him and we cannot begin to believe what has happened."
"Bradley had such a bright future ahead of him and we cannot begin to believe what has happened."
Det Ch Insp Phil Smith said detailed forensic work would be used to piece together the chain of events that led to the teenager's death.
Det Ch Insp Phil Smith said detailed forensic work would be used to piece together the chain of events that led to the teenager's death.
He said: "Investigations are ongoing to establish exactly what caused the wound. However the possibility that a bladed weapon was used has been ruled out.
He said: "Investigations are ongoing to establish exactly what caused the wound. However the possibility that a bladed weapon was used has been ruled out.
The murder scene in Fosse Road South has been sealed off
The murder scene in Fosse Road South has been sealed off
"A number of people have already come forward with information, however I'm still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist with our investigation to contact us."
"A number of people have already come forward with information, however I'm still appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist with our investigation to contact us."
Road closures near the scene of the killing remain in place.
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said roads near the scene which had been closed for forensic examinations were expected to re-open on Wednesday evening.
The teenager is thought to have been celebrating the New Year when he was attacked shortly after leaving a party at about 0515 GMT.
The teenager is thought to have been celebrating the New Year when he was attacked shortly after leaving a party at about 0515 GMT.
'Top lad'
'Top lad'
Friends of the victim have left bunches of flowers and notes paying tribute to the keen footballer, rugby player and swimmer.
Friends of the victim have left bunches of flowers and notes paying tribute to the keen footballer, rugby player and swimmer.
One of the notes read: "Brad. We had some great times mate - can't believe you have gone. We will miss you always."
One of the notes read: "Brad. We had some great times mate - can't believe you have gone. We will miss you always."
Another tribute read: "To Bradders. When I woke up I heard the news and my heart sank... you were a top lad and I will always miss you."
Another tribute read: "To Bradders. When I woke up I heard the news and my heart sank... you were a top lad and I will always miss you."
Shane Faulkner, a close friend of Bradley's family, told reporters: "I am just shocked it has happened to him - he's definitely not that type of lad.
Shane Faulkner, a close friend of Bradley's family, told reporters: "I am just shocked it has happened to him - he's definitely not that type of lad.
"He was looking forward to a career as a PE instructor and everyone will tell you the same thing about him - he was never in any kind of trouble."
"He was looking forward to a career as a PE instructor and everyone will tell you the same thing about him - he was never in any kind of trouble."
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