HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a husband who was stabbed to death outside a supermarket.
Ian Kirwan was fatally knifed in front of horrified shoppers at an Asda store in Redditch, Worcestershire, after allegedly bumping into a gang of "feral" youths.
Despite the best efforts of medics, the 53-year-old software engineer died at the scene.
Today, Ian's heartbroken family said they were shell-shocked by his death.
They also told how he overcame a stroke and had harboured hopes of becoming a dad with wife Lyndsey Blythe.
Aunt Maureen Haycocks, 77, said: "He would do anything for anybody.
"If someone was to break down at the side of the road, he would be the one to pull over.
"He was like a son to me. We are all just devastated."
Read More on The Sun
GMB fans say they’ve spotted a feud between presenters after clues on show
‘Deltacron’ Covid hybrid detected in UK as experts warn immunity is waning
Maureen said her nephew had gone to B&Q to grab a couple of things before walking over to Asda where he was attacked.
She added: "Some wicked people have his life and for what? Bumping into them?
"He probably would have said 'I'm sorry' and yet they've gone for him.
"It sounds like they were on a mission. If it wasn't Ian, it could have been someone else.
"Why have kids got knives? It makes you afraid to go anywhere."
Most read in The Sun
EVIL UPON EVIL Girl, 6, among three killed in ‘genocidal’ airstrike on maternity hospital
Teacher, 23, who had sex with pupil, 14, in Wilko car park jailed for 6 years
Jamie Reuben, 34, 'considering Chelsea bid' despite 10 per cent stake in Newcastle
Ryanair cancels thousands of flights to top European summer holiday destination
Police arrested three youths at Redditch train station shortly after the attack, it is understood.
Another five were later taken into custody on suspicion of murder.
Three more, who were part of the group earlier seen marauding through the town, are still being hunted.
West Mercia Police have not disclosed the ages of the suspects, all from south Birmingham.
Ian's wife Lyndsey was last night being consoled by family members at their home in Redditch, just three miles from where he died.
Maureen added: "They have been married for around five years but together for more than two decades.
"Lyndsey is distraught. So is his sister, Siobhan.
"She's heartbroken Ian won't get to see her twins brought up."
'MOST AMAZING PERSON'
Another relative, who asked not to be named, previously told The Sun Ian was a "kind, loving and gentle" man who would "go out of his way for anyone".
They added: "He was a wonderful, intelligent, amazing, thoughtful, caring and supportive man. He was the most amazing person."
DCI Leighton Harding, of West Mercia Police, said: "Our enquiries have established that Ian was attacked outside the front of Asda and suffered a fatal stab wound after an attack involving a group of youths.
"Six of them were arrested on Tuesday evening on suspicion of murder.
"On Wednesday, a further two youths have also been arrested on suspicion of murder.
"My enquiries led me to believe there are a further three youths that are connected to this group who attacked Ian.
"I appeal to them to do the right thing and hand themselves in."
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: Read Full Article