A man has been charged with murder after a promising footballer was stabbed to death at a party, police have said. West Midlands Police said Ashley Day, 20, died at an apartment on Bradford Street, Digbeth, just after 6am on Thursday.
His family said he had "excelled" at Newport County's academy and "always wanted the best for everybody". Paying tribute to Mr Day, his family said he had "just been accepted to study sports science at Brunel University and was very excited to start later this year".
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The tribute read: "Ashley was a very well-mannered and loving boy. He was very passionate about football and excelled at Newport football academy. He had a great love for music. He’d just been accepted to study sports science at Brunel University and was very excited to start later this year.
“He was a great big brother and protector to his mum, younger brother, and his family. Anyone who knew him will tell you how he exuded joy and happiness and always wanted the best for everybody. His smile was infectious and his sense of humour was out of this world. Our hearts are bleeding for our model son.”
The force said Gurveer Bhandal, 18, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article. In the lead up to Mr Day's death, the apartment was being used as a venue for a party which had been advertised through social media platforms, police stated. Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Det Insp Jim Mahon, leading the investigation, said: “We are supporting Ashley’s family at this awful time. While we have now charged a man with this murder, we believe there may still be people who may have information, photographs or videos of the party and incident. We ask that anyone present come forward to provide us with information about the event. “
The force said two other people who were arrested as part of the investigation have since been released and would face no further action. Mr Bhandal is due before Birmingham Magistrates on Saturday.
The police statament continued: "Anyone with information can submit information to the portal here or contact us by calling 101 quoting log number 576 of 29 June. People can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111."
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