Horror as father-of-three is battered to death with a CRICKET BAT in Telford

A devoted father was battered with a cricket bat and died after confronting a gang of teenage yobs, his partner has said.

Derek Whyteside, 42, was attacked in a street in less than mile from his home in Telford, Shropshire at 4.30pm on Monday afternoon.

He was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull and placed in an induced coma but died hours later of horrific head injuries.

His devastated partner Michelle has now claimed the father-of-three was smashed around the head with cricket bat and stamped on before being left unconscious.

Derek Whyteside, pictured with his partner Michelle, is said to have been attacked with a cricket bat not far from his home

Flowers have been left at the scene of the alleged attack, which has shocked neighbours

Flowers have been left at the scene of the alleged attack, which has shocked neighbours

Writing on Facebook, she said: ‘Sum one thought it wud b ok to wrap a cricket bat round his head. While he’s dying on the floor. He’s been jumped on and punched in the face.’

Hours earlier, Michelle had posted an appeal on Facebook claiming teenagers had stolen a pair of mountain bikes from outside their home. 

Derek was later found lying in a pool of blood and unconscious a mile away in Withywood Drive.

A neighbour said: ‘Derek was a wonderful dad, completely devoted to his family. It’s absolutely horrifying to think he was killed. No one deserves to be left to die in the street.

‘Michelle and the kids are in absolute bits. It’s an absolute nightmare and everyone round here is appalled and very angry about what has happened.’

Another resident said she was worried about youths in the area.

Beddall's partner claimed he had been attacked with a cricket bat before he died

Beddall’s partner claimed he had been attacked with a cricket bat before he died

Residents in the area has been affected by groups of youths. Pictured: Flowers at the scene

Residents in the area has been affected by groups of youths. Pictured: Flowers at the scene

She said: ‘There is very little parental discipline and the police are already run ragged.’ 

In an emotional tribute to Derek, his family said: ‘He was a nice guy, he was loveable and could always see the best in people and if he considered you a friend he would strive never to let you down.

‘He would always be there for you and was very proud of his extended family.

‘He was a fab dad to his partner’s children, very protective, cheeky and loving and always meant well. He was Michelle’s world and was so good to her.

‘He was a great brother too. We can’t understand why anyone would do this.’

Mr Whyteside was found unconscious in this street on the outskirts of Telford on Monday

Six people were arrested in connection with the attack. A woman and two teenage boys have been released on bail.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with murder and appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Stafford Crown Court at a future date.

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