Boy, 14, charged with murder after ‘gentle & caring’ husband, 53, knifed to death outside Asda supermarket
A BOY has been charged with the murder of a "gentle and caring" man who was stabbed to death outside a supermarket.
Ian Kirwan, 53, was fatally knifed in front of horrified shoppers at an Asda store in Redditch, Worcestershire, after allegedly bumping into a gang of youths.
Despite the best efforts of medics, the 53-year-old software engineer died at the scene.
And West Mercia Police tonight confirmed a boy, 14, was charged with the man's murder.
The young boy, who cannot be identified, is due to appear in court in the morning.
A spokesman said: “A 14-year-old male has been charged with murder and remanded in custody to appear at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Friday 11 March.
“The charge relates to an incident on Jinnah Road on Tuesday 8 March that led to the death of 53-year-old Ian Kirwan from Redditch.”
The force confirmed another three young people were arrested in connection with the incident, bringing the total arrested to 11.
Three youths, including the 14-year-old charged with murder, remain in custody.
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One youth has been released on bail - and seven were released with no further action.
Earlier today, Ian's heartbroken family said they were shell-shocked by his death.
They also told how he overcame a stroke and had harboured hopes of becoming a dad with his wife.
Aunt Maureen Haycocks, 77, said: "He would do anything for anybody.
"If someone was to break down at the side of the road, he would be the one to pull over.
"He was like a son to me. We are all just devastated."
Maureen said her nephew had gone to B&Q to grab a couple of things before walking over to Asda where he was stabbed.
She added: "Some wicked people have his life and for what? Bumping into them?
"Why have kids got knives? It makes you afraid to go anywhere."
Ian's wife was last night being consoled by family members at their home in Redditch, just three miles from where he died.
'MOST AMAZING PERSON'
Maureen added: "They have been married for around five years but together for more than two decades.
"She is distraught. So is his sister.
"She's heartbroken Ian won't get to see her twins brought up."
Another relative, who asked not to be named, previously told The Sun Ian was a "kind, loving and gentle" man who would "go out of his way for anyone".
They added: "He was a wonderful, intelligent, amazing, thoughtful, caring and supportive man. He was the most amazing person."
DCI Leighton Harding, of West Mercia Police, said: "Our enquiries have established that Ian was attacked outside the front of Asda and suffered a fatal stab wound after an attack involving a group of youths.
";Six of them were arrested on Tuesday evening on suspicion of murder.
"On Wednesday, a further two youths have also been arrested on suspicion of murder.
"My enquiries led me to believe there are a further three youths that are connected to this group who attacked Ian.
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"I appeal to them to do the right thing and hand themselves in."
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
