‘ Light of our life’ died on night out with pals

THE family of a young man killed during the Birmingham stabbing rampage have told of their grief at losing the “light of our life”.

Jacob Billington, 23, was enjoying a reunion with school friends when he was knifed at random by an attacker who wounded seven others.

One of his friends, also 23, is now fighting for his life in hospital.

Mr Billington’s family said: “Jacob was the light of our life and we have been devastated by his loss.

“He was a funny, caring and wonderful person who was loved by every single person he met.

“He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humour, and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years.”

Mr Billington and his friends, from Liverpool, had travelled to Birmingham to see another old school pal who is studying in the city.

He was fatally stabbed in Irving Street in the city centre at around 1.50am on Sunday.

West Midlands Police released the family tribute as they continued to question a 27- year- old suspect arrested in Selly Oak.

Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, of West Midlands Police, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Jacob’s family and friends after receiving such shocking news, particularly for those who were sharing their night out with him.

“It’s utterly shocking that a friends’ reunion should end so brutally.

“Equally the families of the other victims have been left devastated by the events of Sunday morning.

“We have no suggestion that the motive was either racial, homophobic or gang- related.”