TRIBUTES CONTINUE A WEEK AFTER CITY CENTRE TRAGEDY

It’s Saturday night after the match and the pubs of Sunderland city centre are packed. As a group of lads buoyed after a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle join in a chorus of “We love you Sunderland, we do...” on Holmeside while in Low Row, lasses belt out the words to Erasure’s Little Respect being played on outside speakers. But a short distance away, people passing through Park Lane take time to pause at the huge shrine left in memory of amateur boxer and Sunderland follower Connor Brown. A week ago, the 18-year-old GP practice receptionist, who is remembered by Farringdon Academy for his talent for “a smile that could light up a room,” suffered fatal stab wounds in a nearby back lane. As news of his passing in hospital spread, a spot close by has become the focal point for those who knew Connor and strangers who felt moved to show their sorrow. All who walk by take a moment to look at the flowers, photos, notes, balloons and toys laid alongside Sunderland strips and scarves. “It’s unusual to see something like this happen in Sunderland” said one dad, who was walking by with his two young sons. “We stopped because my little lad asked why there was a boxing glove and he boxes. “It’s touching to see all this. It’s tragic what happened.” For Ron Lamb, the sudden death of Connor hit especially close to home. “The reason I stopped is I’m on my way home from the match. I knew Connor and I’ll tell you the story how,” said the retired fork lift truck driver. “My mam passed away in 2017 and he worked at the Happy House Surgery on the reception. “I went down to tell them and he could see how upset I was, he came out from where he was sat and we went into the office and we had a chat. “I want to keep what we said private, but I can say he put me so much at ease. “I’m cracking on for 60 now, so I was 58 at the time, and the way he made me feel, as a boy or a man, it goes to show you what kind of person he was. “He was such a lovely lad. He was a beautiful human being. “He must have only been about 17 at the time. “I hope my mam is now up there having the same conversation with him.” He added the applause held on the 18th minute of that day’s game was a fitting tribute.