Burnley & Pendle Citizen - the local newspaper for our community

Stabbed teenager was 'great boy'

From the Blackpool Citizen, first published Tuesday 22nd May 2007.

A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Blackpool teenager who was stabbed just yards from his home.

Sam Brown, 16, died from a single stab wound outside his home in Cockerham Walk, on the Grange Park estate, where he lived with mother Pat, brothers Joe, 20, and Harry, 13, and 23-year-old sister Kelly.

This morning the young Liverpool fan was due to sit an English GCSE at St Mary's Catholic College, St Walburga's Road, Blackpool, where he was a pupil.

A floral tribute left outside his home from Y11 classmates read: "We will never forget you, may you rest in peace, love and prayers, Y11."

A 28-year-old man, Kevin Allen, who was with Sam at the time of the incident, also suffered stab wounds although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Det Supt Graham Gardner, who is leading the investigation, said he is "convinced" the answer to Sam's murder lies on the estate and is appealing for people to come forward with information.

"This is a complex inquiry and the full story about what happened in the early hours of Monday on the Grange Park estate is yet to emerge," Mr Gardner added.

"We know this is a very close knit community and I would say to people now is the time to come forward and tell us anything you know.

"Sam had only just turned 16. He was a good lad and not a troublesome boy. I would urge anyone who can help with this inquiry to contact Blackpool police. People who wish to come forward in confidence can do so via Crimestoppers or through officers at Blackpool Police station."

The teenager died on the green in front his family home after neighbours tried in vain to resuscitate him.

Since his death family friends and neighbours have left dozens of floral tributes on the path outside his home.

Barbara Taylor, of nearby Pilling Crescent on the estate, who has known Sam's mum for 30 years, described the teenager as a "great boy".

"He was never in any trouble," she added. "He was just a normal boy who liked his football and didn't deserve this at all. It's terrible, just terrible."

Anyone with information should call police on 01253 293933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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