Second Dudley man arrested over Smethwick teen's murder

Ben Moruate Ben Moruate

A FURTHER teenager from Dudley has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 16 year-old boy in Smethwick.

A 19 year-old man was arrested yesterday and is currently in custody.

An 18 year-old Dudley man, who was arrested on August 1, has been bailed with strict conditions as police continue their investigations.

The teenagers were arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ben Moruate, who was stabbed in the leg during a disturbance outside of the Smethwick Home Guard and Old Comrades Club in the early hours of July 28.

He was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where he later died.

A further four male teenagers have also been arrested as part of the inquiries, including two 18 year-olds from Birmingham, an 18 year-old from West Bromwich and 17 year-old from Birmingham.

Police are continuing to urge witnesses to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Bob Hazel, from the Force Criminal Investigation Department, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: “We’ve heard from a number of people who were at the party and we are very grateful to them, but we know there are many more who may have seen something who have not yet been in touch.”

“People may have taken pictures during the night, or recorded the fight which broke out outside on their mobile phones and we now ask them to do the right thing and contact us to pass this on.

“Any information, or footage, could prove vital in helping us bring the people responsible for Ben’s death to justice.

“If you were present at the Old Comrades Club, during the early hours of Saturday 28th July, and are yet to speak to the investigation team then we urge you to call us at your earliest convenience.

“We do not underestimate the devastating impact the death of this young man has had on his family and the local community."Anyone with information can contact Force CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.

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