A city mourns Tributes grow as Wear side unite sin grief over murder victim Connor
CITY IN MOURNING FOLLOWING TRAGIC LOSS OF TEENAGER IN CITY CENTRE
Sunderland remains a city in mourning as it continues to show its grief over the tragic death of Connor Brown.
The 18-year-old Farringdon lad died in the early hours of Sunday, having been found with injuries consistent with a stabbing, in a lane behind The Borough pub in the city centre.
As Connor’s family continue to come to terms with his devastating loss, people from across Wearside have been leaving messages of sympathy for the keen boxer and passionate SAFC fan.
Just yards from where he was found, a growing display of floral tributes, football shirts and balloons have been placed in his memory.
They contain messages from people from across the city, all showing just how much Connor touched their hearts.
Among the tributes were boxing gloves, including one from Plains Farm Amateur Boxing Club, where Connor used to train and fight.
Various SAFC shirts adorned with messages, reflecting on his devotion to the Black Cats, who he followed home and away.
Among cards left on floral tributes, one read: “The kindest most down to earth boy I have ever met, such a privilege to have called you my friend. Loveliest person inside and out with the most contagious huge smile.”
Another said: “RIP Connor. I can’t believe I am writing this. I just want this all to be a bad dream.”
Earlier this week, Sunderland Minster set up an area within the church to give people a place to spend time with their thoughts.
And now a book of condolence has now been opened in the Tesco store at Roker Avenue for well-wishers to leave tributes.
A donation box has also been left next to the book.
A charity football match has been planned by friends of Connor and team-mates from his Sunday League side Seaburn FC to take place next month.
And friends of Connor, who worked as part of the reception team at the city’s Happy House Surgery, have also announced that they will hold a balloon release event on a field next to North Moor Lane, in Farringdon, tomorrow.
The balloons are set to be released at 6.30pm.
SAFC fans are also being urged to remember former Farringdon Community Academy pupil Connor by applauding during the 18th minute of Saturday’s game with Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light.
Two men have appeared in court charged with Connor’s murder.
Leighton Barrass, 20, of Hartside Square, and Ally Gordon, 19, of Pulmuir Road, both Sunderland, appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on Tuesday morning.
Gordon is also charged with possession of a bladed article.
Neither man entered a plea and they spoke only to confirm their names and addresses.
Both were remanded in custody and their cases committed to Newcastle Crown Court on March 26.
Officers are still keen to hear from any witnesses to the incident, and have asked anybody with information to get in touch. Anybody with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 124 240219 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I just want this all to be a bad dream” TRIBUTE