TEENAGER KILLED IN CITY CENTRE ATTACK
Man arrested as police launch murder investigation into death of 18-year-old
“He would never hurt a fly.”
Friends of Connor Brown have paid heartfelt tributes to the teenager after his tragic deathonanightoutinSunderlandcitycentresparkedamurder investigation.
The 18-year-old was found with life-threatening injuries in a back lane near to The Borough and Gatsby bars, off Vine Place, at about 1.30am yesterday.
Hewastakentohospitalbut sadly died. It is believed that Connor had been stabbed.
Northumbria Police last nightwerecontinuingtoquestion a man arrested in connection with the incident.
Yesterday, flowers and tributes were left to Connor near the spot where he was attacked as police continued their inquiries. A balloon release was also staged at The Dolphin pub, in Farringdon, by Connor’s devastated friends.
Connor was also known to be a passionate Sunderland AFC fan, following the team home and away.
Last night, friends expressed their hope for supporters to pay their respects by applauding in the 18th minute of Saturday’s home game with Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light.
Shauna McArdle, 18, went to Farringdon Community Academy with Connor.
She said: “He had the biggest, cheesiest smile. He would never hurt a fly.
“I was in classes with him and he used to tease me about my hair all the time. We have been to The Dolphin for the balloon release. There were hundreds of people there – it just shows how loved he was. It does not feel real.”
Another friend visiting the scene to pay her respects was Adele Dawson, 29.
Adele said Connor had worked in a call centre and had been posting pictures on Snapchat from his night out.
She said: “He was just an absolutely amazing boy. He was always smiling. He didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone. It’s just shocked us all. He wouldn’t harm a fly.”
It is believed that Connor was a keen boxer and had been part of the Plains Farm Amateur Boxing Club.
Seaburn FC also posted a tribute to their former mid- fielder on Twitter, saying he had ‘made a huge impact in all our lives’. Friend Dean Coates added: “He was into his boxing and had won five fights. He was a well-known lad.”
The manager of the nearby Gatsby bar, who asked not to be named, said two door staff had chased after a man following reports of a stabbing and said they detained a suspect until police arrived, while also alerting the ambulance service.
He said: “Someone told the door staff that somebody had been stabbed in the back lane and away they went to see if they could help. I would just like to commend our door staff for their bravery. It’s above and beyond what is expected of them. It’s just an absolute tragedy. A poor young lad has lost his life.”
Kim Waters, 38, and Paul Burton, 45, were in the area at the time of the incident.
Kim said: “It was late, the pubs were ready to come out. I was sat outside the Cooper