Police arrest a man over Walsall boxing match killing

Police have arrested a man after a teenager suffered fatal knife injuries in boxing match brawl on Saturday night.

Reagan Asbury is understood to have been attacked outside Walsall Town Hall, West Midlands. He was rushed to hospital but later died. 

Officers today detained a 25-year-old man at a house in Derby on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They are still appealing for witnesses and information about the killing as the suspected knifeman remains on the run.

Grieving relatives have paid tribute to Reagan Asbury after he died from knife injuries inflicted during a brawl at a boxing match this weekend

Detective Inspector Justin Spanner said: ‘The teenager sadly passed away on Sunday evening and we have now launched a full-scale murder enquiry.

‘One man has been arrested and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the offender.

‘We have spoken to several witnesses already and secured CCTV in a bid to explain what sparked the disorder and identify the offender – but we know there was a large crowd at the event and we need to speak to as many of them as possible.

‘I need those people to get in touch as they could have seen something crucial or caught something important on mobile phone footage.

‘Equally, I’d like to speak to anyone who was outside Walsall Town Hall late on Saturday night or anyone who suspects who may be responsible for this tragic event.’ 

Other victims also suffered knife wounds and paramedics used tablecloths and clothing as tourniquets to treat the injured.

Violence erupted partway through the fight between Luke Paddock and Myron Mills on Saturday night.

Shocking footage taken inside the venue showed fans hurling chairs and glasses at each other just yards from the ring.

Footage from inside the hall showed crowds fighting after violence erupted on Saturday

Tributes were paid to Reagan online today. Kaylee Asbury said: ‘My truly handsome cousin had so much to offer and it has all been taken away at such a young age.

‘What is this world coming to, can’t event have a fun night out anymore.’

Jim Joseph said: ‘Rest in peace Reagan Asbury we’ve had some quality memories over the years.

‘I can’t believe you’re gone. Thoughts are with your family brother. Lots of love, sleep tight.’

Brad Rolston said: ‘RIP to a brother and always a brother. Reagan Asbury so much memories. Since we was little he has always had my back.’ 

Police at the scene in Walsall town centre yesterday after a murder probe was launched

Police at the scene in Walsall town centre yesterday after a murder probe was launched

Event promoter, Black Country Boxing (BCB), said: ‘Our thoughts are with the victims and we will be liaising fully with the police and the venue.’

In a statement, BCB added that all members of the public had been given a full-body search going into the venue, in line with boxing industry regulations, and all drinks were served in plastic glasses.

The company said: ‘In the final rounds of the top bill fight a fracas began inside the venue and security ushered a number of those in attendance outside, in order for the promotion to continue.’

BCB cancelled another event which had been scheduled to take place at the town hall on Sunday due to what it called the ‘serious incident’.

Walsall Council, whose headquarters are just yards from the scene, said it was supporting the police investigation.

 

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