Sekou Doucoure
(Picture: Facebook)Tributes have been paid to a “funny” teenage footballer who was found stabbed to death after a shooting in Birmingham.
Sekou Doucoure, 16, was found dying from stab wounds 20 minutes after witnesses heard gunfire ring out on the streets of Lozells, a inner city area in West Birmingham.
Armed police rushed to the scene to perform CPR on the teenager but he died at the scene.
Officers have arrested two boys aged 12 and 15 on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with the incident. A 19-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A post mortem examination will be carried out to confirm the cause of his death.
Sekou’s former club The Rossoneri Fc posted a video of the teenager smiling broadly.
In a short statement posted on the football club’s Facebook page, Sekou’s death was described as “tragic”.
A spokesman said the young man once played for Nottingham Forest’s academy and added: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the tragic passing of The Rossoneri former player Sekou.
“This news has left everyone involved with the club devastated and heartbroken. Sekou played for The Rossoneri Fc before joining Nottingham Forest academy. Our thoughts are with Sekou ’s friends and family at this awful and difficult time.”
Rodrick Maveso, founder of The Rossoneri, had managed Sekou for a couple of years and helped him sign for the Nottingham Forest academy.
The coach told Birmingham Live about his death: “I heard it on the news, I could not believe it because he was growing. He was a very, very calm person.
“He was my player - that hurts me even the most because he was someone I knew; I know the family, I know the mum, I know the siblings. We were like a family. To get that sad news it broke me.”
He added: “He was a bit of a comedian of the group. He was quiet but, at the same time, he was not quiet because he wanted to make people laugh.”
Sekou’s former teacher set up a crowdfunder to help his family with any funeral costs.
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison appealed for more witnesses to come forward. She said: “We know there were others involved and we need to speak to anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to us.
“This community is understandably shaken by the death of a teenage boy in broad daylight. This violence on our streets has to stop and we will continue to work them to disrupt and deter violent crime.”
