Tributes have poured in for a "lovely lad" who police believe was killed in a "targeted and vicious attack" by a group armed with weapons.
Bailey Atkinson, 20, was named locally as the man attacked by a group near an Asda supermarket, on the High Street of the West Midlands borough of Walsall, in the early hours of yesterday.
He was rushed to hospital but sadly died later.
His grieving family released a statement and photograph of their son through police, as the man from the Walsall town of Bloxwich was formally identified on Sunday evening.
They said: “Our kind-hearted and much-loved son, brother and grandson. Bailey was so loved, by so many and will be missed so much.”
West Midlands Police say they have been "working around the clock" to hunt down those behind the killing. So far, no arrests have been made.
Devastated friends have now taken to social media to post a string of tributes to Bailey, describing him as a "beautiful boy" who was "very loved".
In one moving tribute, a Facebook user named Angel-Lee wrote: "Rest in peace to my beautiful boy. My first little love. You were really one of a kind and I’m so lucky to have spent these years with you.
"We were the best of friends and also each other's worst enemies. I’m so sorry it had to be you. I’d do anything to bring you back Bailey.
"We've been through so much together and nothing will ever come close. You taught me so much about life and I created the most amazing memories with you."
Another person wrote: "Rest peacefully Bailey you were such a lovely lad."
A third said: "Can't get my head around this. RIP Bailey Atkinson".
And a fourth posted: "Thinking of your family rest in peace Bailey mate. We all had some of the funniest times with you growing up."
A GoFundMe page towards Bailey's funeral has raised over £700 at the time of writing.
It says: "If you knew Bailey you know he would do anything for anybody. He was a very loved person by many and he always gave the love back he recieved."
In an update today, police said there will continue to be an increased presence as the murder probe continues.
The force said: "We’ve been using extra powers overnight giving us the ability to stop and search people in parts of the borough without the need for the usual grounds.
"We use these powers, called section 60 powers, carefully when we feel there is a risk of violence, and they help us keep people safe.
"Those powers were put in place again from 10am today and will continue through to 7am tomorrow, when it will be reviewed again.
"Our investigation is making progress and we’re following up a number of positive lines of enquiry."
Police say they supporting Bailey's grieving family.
Ch Supt Phil Dolby, of Walsall Police, added: “This was senseless violence that has cost a man his life, and our top priority is catching those responsible.
“But we’re also very aware that people are worried by what’s happened and also feeling angry.
“I’d urge people to work with us as we investigate, and get in touch with any information.
“We’re committed to working with partners across the borough to ensure Walsall is a safe place, and I’ve been speaking to people in the community to reassure then of the steps we are taking to ensure that.”
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, previously said that Bailey's death appeared to be a "targeted and vicious attack involving a group of men carrying weapons."
She added: "We’re supporting the victim’s family at this awful time, and are working hard to identify those responsible."
Bailey is believed to have been set upon by a gang of men in the town centre, near to Asda, at just after 1.20am today.
He was taken to hospital but pronounced dead shortly before 3am.
Tonight West Midlands Police said a planned balloon release in memory of Bailey that was due to take place this evening has been cancelled by the family, with people being asked not to gather at the scene.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson added tonight: "The murder investigation into Bailey's death continues and we are working around the clock to arrest those behind his killing.
"The scene in Walsall town centre remains and we are searching an area of Willenhall where two vehicles were found with fire damage.
"Our investigation is making progress and we’re following up a number of positive lines of enquiry."
In a shocking turn of events, Birmingham Live reports the brutal assault appears to have been captured on CCTV - and was later shared on WhatsApp.
Armed thugs were recorded carrying out the vile attack on Bailey, in what appeared to be his final hours.
The sick video, seen by Birmingham Live, shows Bailey running through Walsall town centre towards Asda while two cars pursue him.
Moments later, a group of people can be seen beating the victim with weapons as he lies on the ground. The perpetrators are seen leaving the scene in a car as Bailey remains curled up on the floor before members of the public come to his aid.
Anyone with CCTV, mobile phone footage or dashcam footage is urged to contact police at west-midlands.police.uk or get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers.
